Potassium nitrate is a chemical compound that is commonly used in fertilizer, fireworks and gunpowder. Medically, it is used to treat sensitive teeth. Potassium nitrate is a strong oxidizer, and can change compounds in the body that are necessary in order for your body's cells to function properly. You should seek immediate medical treatment if you believe you've been poisoned by potassium nitrate, as a delay in treatment can be dangerous and even fatal.
Routes of Exposure
You can be exposed to potassium nitrate if you inhale it, ingest it or if it comes into contact with your skin. If you inhale it, it may irritate your lungs, causing cough and shortness of breath. You'll need to see medical attention if you are having difficulty breathing. When it comes in contact with the skin, potassium nitrate can cause irritation, leading to pain, swelling and redness. You should wash your skin immediately with water for at least 15 minutes if this happens, to prevent further irritation. Ingestion of potassium nitrate leads to poisoning, often with severe consequences.
Symptoms of Poisoning
Methemoglobinemia is the major symptom associated with potassium nitrate poisoning, according to the International Programme on Chemical Safety. Methemoglobinemia, a condition that makes it harder for your blood to carry oxygen to your cells, can cause extreme fatigue and give your skin a blue grayish tint. In severe cases, you may experience seizures, coma and death. Occasionally, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal symptoms may be present. Cardiovascular symptoms include low blood pressure and fast heart rate. Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting are the gastrointestinal symptoms most likely to present themselves.
Treatment
If methemoglobinemia is present, you will be treated with methylene blue. Methylene blue is given slowly through the veins, and will significantly reduce methemoglobin levels within 60 minutes, according to an article published in the September 2001 issue of "Emergency Medicine News." The rest of the treatment is mainly supportive. Your vital signs will be monitored, and appropriate measures will be taken if you develop cardiovascular symptoms. Antiemetics may be given to control nausea and vomiting. Abdominal pain can be controlled with narcotics if your blood pressure is not too low.
Prognosis
If you get medical attention early enough, there is a good chance you will make a complete recovery. Your chances go down if your methemoglobin levels are above 70 percent or if the methemoglobinemia does not respond to methylene blue. Your chances also lesson if you develop cardiac symptoms. The biggest complication of potassium nitrate poisoning is multisystem organ failure, which can develop if your met hemoglobin levels are significantly elevated for too long. Multisystem organ failure is usually fatal.
References
- International Programme on Chemical Safety; Nitrates and Nitrites; Oluf Chr. Bockman, et al.; May 1999
- "Emergency Medicine News"; Methylene Blue -- Fast-Acting Antidote for Methemoglobinemia; Michael Greenberg; September 2001
- University of Maine; Material Safety Data Sheet - Potassium Nitrate; November 1999
