A Review on the Applications of Potassium
Permanganate in Veterinary Medicine: Toxicity, Efficacy and Future
Considerations
Talha Umar1, Liu Wenjing1,
Huili Feng1, Wen Feng1, Ma Bin1,
Zaima Umar2, Muhammad Naeem3, Abdul Sami Umar4,
Sana Asif5, Muhammad Usman6 and Deng Ganzhen1*
1Department
of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine,
Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China;
2Department of Anatomy, the University of Faisalabad,
Faisalabad, 38000 Punjab, Pakistan; 3Department of
Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Parma, Parma I-43100
Italy; 4Bolan Medical College, Quetta, 87300 Balochistan,
Pakistan; 5Department
of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of
Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38000 Punjab, Pakistan; 6Department
of Basic Sciences (Histology), University of Veterinary and Animal
Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
*Corresponding author:ganzhendeng@sohu.com
Abstract
Potassium permanganate (KMnO4)
solution, a potent oxidizing agent, has been extensively employed in veterinary
medicine for uterine washing, wound cleansing, and many other therapeutic
purposes. However, its related toxicity and adverse effects often remain
unnoticed due to its extensive use as an antiseptic and disinfectant. This
review aims to explore the potential risks and harmful effects of using
potassium permanganate in veterinary medicine. Through an in-depth review of the
scientific literature and authoritative analysis, this article discusses the
significance of various antiseptics, the mode of action of potassium
permanganate, its pharmacokinetics, dosage, toxicity, allergenicity and
historical use in the human and veterinary practices. As a vital constituent of
numerous commercially important chemical entities, including medicines,
potassium permanganate is used for wound cleansing and uterine flushing because
it can effectively disrupt cell wall and damage DNA of pathogenic organisms,
effectively mitigating bacterial and fungal infections. However, it can also
adversely affect living cells, leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, and
ulcerative injury. Excessive and prolonged exposure of body tissue to potassium
permanganate can cause damage to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys,
induce digestive system malfunctions and provoke reproductive disorders.
Furthermore, it can contaminate milk and meat, and potentially instigate a
reduction in milk production of the animal. The present review primarily aims to
enhance veterinarians' understanding regarding the therapeutic applications and
potential hazards of KMnO4, as well as to highlight the importance of
its judicious use to minimize its negative repercussions on animal and human
health.
To Cite This Article:
Umar T, Wenjing L, Feng H, Feng W, Bin M, Umar Z,
Naeem M, Umar AS, Asif S, Usman M and Ganzhen D, 2024.
A review on the applications of potassium permanganate in veterinary
medicine: toxicity, efficacy, and future considerations. Pak Vet J,
44(2): 214-221. http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2024.172