Potassium perchlorate

Potassium perchlorate is an inorganic salt (KClO4) primarily known for its strong oxidizing properties, leading to widespread industrial use in pyrotechnics, propellants, and explosives. In medicine, it functions as an antithyroid agent by competitively inhibiting the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) on the thyroid follicular cell membrane. This action reduces the uptake of iodide into thyroid cells, thereby decreasing the synthesis of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). Historically, it was used to treat hyperthyroidism, including Graves' disease and amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis, and for diagnostic procedures like the perchlorate discharge test. However, its therapeutic use for hyperthyroidism has largely declined due to the risk of severe adverse effects such as aplastic anemia and nephrotic syndrome. It continues to be used as a thyroid blocking agent in specific medical contexts, such as prior to radioactive imaging to prevent the accumulation of radioactive substances in the thyroid.

Brand names

Perchloracap

Other names

Potassium chlorate(VII)Perchloric acid, potassium saltPeroidinAstrumal