History of Potassium Chloride

Potassium chloride has been a part of the healthy human diet for millenia, but for long ages it remained unknown to human science. Without this simple compound, our bodies would not function correctly, resulting in a whole host of problems. Knowing the history of potassium chloride and its important function in the body is both fun and important for your general well-being.

Sir Humphry Davy

• In 1807, experimenting with various compounds, Sir Humphry Davy, a British chemist, discovered that if an electrical current was applied to molten potash, potassium chloride could be extracted. His discovery not only proved that such an element existed but also proved that electrolysis (the breaking apart of molecules by applying electricity) could be used to separate some elements. He later discovered that he was able to further separate potassium from chloride by immersing the compound in a solution of 97 percent pure alcohol.

Misuses

• In the early 20th century, few medications were regulated and anyone calling themselves a "doctor" or "chemist" could concoct a formula intended to cure a wide range of ailments from scrofula to gout to thinning hair. Unfortunately, this often resulted in many concoctions becoming fatal to the user, which is the case with potassium chloride. Too much potassium chloride interrupts muscle signals, such as those sent to the heart, which in turn causes an arrhythmia or irregular heart beat and can possibly prove fatal. The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 was the first step toward preventing such people from selling potentially dangerous compounds.

Uses

• In the 1920's it was discovered that potassium chloride could be used to treat certain medical condition in patients. Some people, either due to physical problems or dietary irregularities, were prescribed a potassium chloride supplement with careful guidelines for its ingestion. Potassium chloride is an electrolyte; it assists in the transmission of energy necessary to run the body properly, particularly the heart.

Warning

• It was discovered later that some people should stop taking this medication if certain conditions developed. People who developed diabetes, became pregnant, had stomach ulcers, kidney disease or were breast feeding experienced reactions to the medication or, in the case of pregnant or breast feeding women, could pass along the high level of potassium to children, causing irregularities in their frail bodies.

Side Effects

• Over time, certain mild side effects were noticed and recorded; nausea, diarrhea, vomiting or other digestive ailments were usually normal and not a source of concern. Other side effects, however, presaged a more serious problem and were (and still are) sources of concern among physicians. These include stomach aches, skin rashes, black stools with thick consistency and heartburn.