Ammonium hydroxide

International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives: 527
 

Food additives Europe numbers: E527 
 

Ammonium hydroxide, also known as ammonia water, is not typically considered a medical substance itself. In fact, it can be quite dangerous if not handled properly. Here's a breakdown of its properties and why it's not commonly used medically:

Properties:

• Colorless liquid with a strong, pungent odor.
• Highly irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.
• Can cause severe burns and breathing difficulties in high concentrations.

Limited Medical Use:

• While not a medication for direct administration, low concentrations of diluted ammonium hydroxide solution (usually around 0.5% to 1%) might be used in a very controlled medical setting for inhalation.
• Inhaling this diluted solution can irritate the upper respiratory tract, triggering a reflex response that stimulates breathing. This can be helpful in rare cases of fainting or respiratory depression. However, it's important to reiterate that this is only done under strict medical supervision and not for self-treatment.

Safety Risks:

• The severe irritation and corrosive nature of ammonium hydroxide outweigh its limited benefit for respiratory stimulation. Safer and more effective methods are typically used in such situations.
• Accidental exposure to concentrated ammonium hydroxide can be very harmful.