n.

A white crystalline compound, KI, used in photography and medicine and as an analytical reagent.

Brand names: Iostat™, Pima®, SSKI®, Thyro-block®, ThyroShield®

Drug Forms:
• Potassium Iodide, KI oral solution or syrup (below)
• Potassium Iodide, KI tablets

Español:
• Jarabe o solución oral de yoduro de potasio, KI
• Tabletas de yoduro de potasio, KI

Potassium Iodide, KI oral solution or syrup

What is potassium iodide oral solution or syrup?

POTASSIUM IODIDE, KI (Pima®, SSKI®) is a medicine that provides iodine. Iodine helps to treat many different conditions, especially conditions of the thyroid gland. Potassium iodide is commonly given to treat hyperthyroidism or to help prepare the thyroid gland for thyroid surgery. Potassium iodide has also been used to treat certain skin conditions. While this drug was once used to help coughs and clear mucus from the chest, it is now thought to be ineffective. Potassium Iodide should generally only be used under the prescription or advice of a health care professional with prescriptive authority.

Some Potassium Iodide products are intended to be used to protect the thyroid gland against radiation injury (example: ThyroShield® non-prescription oral solution). and are used only to protect the thyroid gland from exposure to radioactive iodine, which may occur in the event of a nuclear plant accident or an attack with nuclear weapons. To be effective, the oral solution needs to be taken as soon as possible in the event of a radioactive incident, preferably within a few hours. Potassium iodide cannot protect against all types of radiation exposure or injury. At this time, only certain products are FDA-approved for this purpose. Also, solutions intended for use only in radiation emergencies should not be used for other medical purposes. Use for radiation protection should be under the guidance of a prescriber or public health authority.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• Addison's disease
• bronchitis
• cystic fibrosis
• dehydration
• dermatitis herpetiformis
• goiter
• heart disease
• high level of potassium in the body
• kidney disease
• thyroid disease
• tuberculosis
• vasculitis
• an unusual or allergic reaction to potassium iodide, iodine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take potassium iodide oral solution or syrup by mouth. Measure the dose using the dropper provided or with a specially marked spoon; the proper measurement device depends on the type of potassium iodide solution you are taking. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not accurate for measuring this medicine. Take after meals or with food or milk. For oral solutions, the dose is usually diluted with a full glass of water, fruit juice, or milk before drinking. Follow the directions for your specific medicine on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Some Potassium Iodide solutions are intended for emergency use only. If this medicine is needed for a radiation exposure, most persons will take one dose per day until the risk of radiation exposure has passed and/or until public health officials have successfully implemented other protective actions, like evacuation, shelter, and control of the food supply. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions about taking this medicine. Do not take this medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Do not give potassium iodide to your infant or child unless you have the approval of your health care professional or public health official. If your child or infant needs to take this medicine, you may need to learn how to prepare the doses in a drink or infant formula to hide the salty taste. Special instructions are available; ask your prescriber or pharmacist.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with potassium iodide?

• drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol
• heparin
• lithium
• methimazole
• potassium supplements
• propylthiouracil
• some medicines for high blood pressure or heart failure
• some water pills or diuretics (examples: amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking potassium iodide?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress, and to make sure your body is producing the right amount of thyroid hormone.

If you are taking a non-prescription product for prevention of thyroid problems due to radiation exposure, do not take for more than 14 days without the advice of a health care professional. Public health officials or your prescriber will be able to instruct you on the needed length of treatment. Potassium iodide will only protect the thyroid gland, and does not protect against other forms of radiation exposure or injury.

If you are on a low-potassium diet, talk to your prescriber or health care professional about your potassium intake before taking potassium iodide.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking potassium iodide solution or syrup.

What side effects may I notice from taking potassium iodide?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• burning in the mouth or throat
• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• sore gums and teeth
• fever
• goiter (enlarged thyroid gland causing swelling in the throat)
• irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• menstrual changes
• metallic taste
• numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• severe headache
• skin rash and itching (hives) or acne-like skin problems
• swelling of face, mouth, arms, or neck
• weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• diarrhea
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach pain or cramps

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children, in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from cold temperatures and do not freeze. Protect from light. Do not use if the solution becomes discolored (like a change to brownish yellow). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 2/21/2005 10:38:00 AM

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

Potassium iodide (chemical formula KI) is a salt that is similar in structure and physical character to common table salt (sodium chloride; NaCl). Indeed, potassium iodide is a common commercial additive to table salt, to produce "iodized" salt.

Potassium iodide is noteworthy in security because of its ability to block the uptake of radioactive iodine by the body's thyroid gland. Located in the neck, the sole task of the thyroid gland is the production of a hormone that is one of the body's principle metabolic regulators. Thus, the disruption of the thyroid gland—such as occurs when the uptake of radioactive iodine triggers the development of thyroid cancer—threatens health and can even led to death.

If taken in time following an accidental or deliberate release of radioactive iodine, such as would occur with a leak from a nuclear power plant or the detonation of a bomb containing a radioactive payload, potassium iodide saturates the thyroid with a form of iodine that persists in the gland. The radioactive form of iodine cannot out-compete this stable form of iodine, and so is excreted from the body.

Ingestion of KI has long been a precaution for workers in nuclear power plants and for military personnel engaged in a conflict where the use of nuclear weapons is considered to be a possibility. Much of what is known of the protective effects of potassium iodide has come from the measurements of radiation accumulation in the thyroid glands of hundreds of thousands of people in the weeks following the Chernobyl reactor disaster of April 1986, and the therapeutic effects KI achieved in Poland during that time.

Since the terrorist attacks on the United States in the latter months of 2001, the need for a distribution of KI to civilians has become recognized. This has become especially evident with the exposed vulnerability of nuclear power plants to terrorist attack, and to the conceivable use of "dirty" bombs by terrorists. The latter, essentially a conventional explosive charge that spews out radioactive substances including iodine, could contaminate many people in a crowded urban area.

The protective effects of potassium iodide last about 24 hours from the time it is ingested. Thus, a civilian or military protective strategy requires daily doses of KI. Longer term or more permanent use of the salt is not recommended yet, as prolonged use has been linked to thyroid malfunction, especially in those with Grave's disease or autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid gland.

Further Reading

Books

Harrison, J. R., W. Paile, and K. Baverstock. "Public Health Implications of Iodine Prophylaxis in Radiological Emergencies" in: Thomas, G., A. Karaoglou, and E. D. Williams, eds. Radiation and Thyroid Cancer. Singapore: World Scientific, 1999.

Periodicals

Astakhova, L. N., L. R. Anspaugh, G. W. Beebe, et al. "Chernobyl-Related Thyroid Cancer in Children in Belarus." Radiation Research no. 150 (1998): 349–356.

Robbins, J., and A. B. Schneider. "Thyroid Cancer following Exposure to Radioactive Iodine." Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders no. 1 (2000): 197–203.

Electronic

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "Guidance: Potassium Iodide as a Thyroid Blocking Agent in radiation Emergencies." Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. December 10, 2001. <http://www.fda.gov/cder/guidance/4825fnl.htm> (April 9, 2003).

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. "Frequently Asked Questions About Potassium Iodide." National Research Council. April 2, 2003. <http://www.nrc.gov/what-wedo/regulatory/emer-resp/emer-prep/ki-faq.html> (April 12, 2003).

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