perchlorate

Perchlorate refers to the anion ClO4− and its salts (such as potassium perchlorate and sodium perchlorate), which have been used pharmaceutically to treat hyperthyroidism. Perchlorates act as competitive inhibitors of the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) in the thyroid gland, blocking iodide uptake and thereby reducing thyroid hormone synthesis. This mechanism has made them useful for treating conditions like Graves' disease and other forms of thyrotoxicosis. However, due to risks such as aplastic anemia and nephrotic syndrome at higher or prolonged doses, their use has declined in favor of safer alternatives. Perchlorates are rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after ingestion and excreted unchanged in urine with a half-life of 6–8 hours[1][6][8]. They are also used industrially (e.g., explosives, rocket propellants) and can be environmental contaminants affecting thyroid function[2][7].

Other names

potassium perchloratesodium perchlorateammonium perchlorateClO4−