Potassium Permanganate

What is this medication for?

This medication is a skin disinfectant and cleansing agent. It is used for infected and oozy eczema (skin rash) and for drying wet wounds.

How should I take or use this medication?

Potassium permanganate may be supplied in crystals or as a solution.

a) If given as Potassium Permanganate 0.1% Solution:

• Dilute 1 part of the solution to 8 parts water (e.g. 10ml of solution added to 80ml of water) to a light purple colour solution.

b) If given as crystals:

• Dissolve a few crystals in a container of water. Dilute it to a light purple colour solution.

Then use the solution as follows:

• Bath
  • Fill the tub with the solution and use for bathing.
• Compress
  • Wet strips of cotton or gauze in the solution slightly. Wrap the strips around the affected areas.
  • Keep the strips in place for 10 minutes. If they dry out, add more solution.
• Soak
  • Fill a bathtub or a basin with enough solution to soak the affected areas. Soak for about 10 minutes.
• Wash
  • Dip cotton or gauze in the solution and use it to wash the affected areas.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

• Do not make the solution too concentrated or use crystals directly on affected areas as these will irritate and burn the skin.
• Dab dry after use. It is not necessary to rinse off with clean water.
• Use either warm or cool water to make the solution.
• Potassium permanganate may stain the skin, nails and light clothing a brown colour.
• To remove fresh stains from the skin, rub over with a damp tablet of vitamin C.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.