Potassium Perchlorate
Potassium perchlorate is an antithyroid agent used primarily to treat hyperthyroidism and thyroid storm by reducing thyroid hormone production. It works by inhibiting the thyroid gland's uptake of iodine, which is essential for synthesizing thyroid hormones. This medication may also be used before thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine therapy to decrease thyroid function.
Potassium perchlorate is an antithyroid medication that treats overactive thyroid conditions by blocking iodine uptake.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- H03BC01
- RxNorm
- 34318
- Generic
- Potassium Perchlorate
- Class
- atc-h03
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Potassium perchlorate is primarily used to treat hyperthyroidism (including Graves' disease), thyroid storm, and may be given preoperatively before thyroidectomy. It can also be used to reduce thyroid function prior to radioactive iodine treatment or imaging studies.
This medication inhibits the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) in thyroid cells, blocking the uptake of iodide from the bloodstream. By reducing iodine availability, it decreases the synthesis of thyroid hormones T3 and T4, helping to normalize thyroid function in conditions of overproduction.
Potassium perchlorate can cause serious side effects including agranulocytosis and aplastic anemia, requiring regular blood monitoring. It may cause gastrointestinal upset and is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Due to safety concerns, it is now used less frequently than other antithyroid options like methimazole or propylthiouracil.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy