Potassium iodide
Generic name: potassium iodide [ poe-TAH-see-um-EYE-oh-dide ]
Brand names: iOSAT, SSKI (saturated), ThyroSafe, ThyroShield, Pima
Dosage forms: oral liquid (325 mg/5 mL); oral solution (1 g/mL); oral tablet (130 mg; 65 mg)
Drug classes:Antithyroid agents, Expectorants
What is potassium iodide?
Potassium iodide is used to thin mucus and loosen congestion in the chest and throat. Potassium iodide is used in people with breathing problems that can be complicated by thick mucus, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.
Potassium iodide is used during a nuclear radiation emergency to block radioactive iodine from entering your thyroid gland. For this purpose, the medicine is usually taken only once or twice.
Potassium iodide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use potassium iodide if you ar allergic to iodide or iodine.
You may not be able to use potassium iodide for exposure to nuclear radiation if you have:
thyroid nodules and heart problems;
dermatitis herpetiformis (Duhring disease, itchy skin rash common with celiac disease); or
inflammation of the small blood vessels (hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis, or HUV) that causes episodes of hives, itching, burning, and painful skin sores.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
a thyroid disorder;
Addison's disease (an adrenal gland disorder);
heart disease;
bronchitis;
kidney disease; or
myotonia congenita (a genetic muscle disorder).
Potassium iodide is used in children only during a nuclear radiation emergency. Do not give potassium iodide to a child without medical advice.
Potassium iodide can cause thyroid problems in both mother and baby when used during pregnancy. However, the benefit of taking this medicine to protect your thyroid from nuclear radiation exposure far outweighs any risks of thyroid harm.
Any preg...
