Potassium Iodide

Brands

DEA Class; Rx

Common Brand Names; Pima Syrup, SSKI, iosat, ThyroSafe, ThyroShield

  • Antidotes, Other; 
  • Antithyroid Agents; 
  • Expectorants

Oral antithyroid agent containing roughly 76% iodine and 23% potassium by weight
Used as an adjunct to other antithyroid agents in the treatment of hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis and preoperatively to induce thyroid involution
Certain formulations are approved only for thyroid protection against radioactive iodine (I-131) exposure during radiation emergencies

Indicted during environmental radiation emergency to block uptake of radioactive iodine isotopes in thyroid and reduce risk of thyroid cancer

For emergency use as a thyroid protectant in a radiation exposure involving radioactive iodine.
For short-term use as an expectorant in the symptomatic treatment of chronic pulmonary diseases where tenacious mucus complicates the problem, such as chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema.
For the treatment of thyrotoxicosis, including thyroid storm.
For thyroid involution induction in persons with Graves’ disease prior to thyroidectomy.
For the treatment of cutaneous or lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis.

Iodine sensitivity (although allergy to radiocontrast media, contact dermatitis from iodine-containing antibacterials, allergy to seafood should NOT be considered evidence of potassium iodide allergy)

Hyperthyroidism

Respiratory failure

Arrhythmia

Skin rash

Gastrointestinal irritation or bleeding

Diarrhea

Paresthesia

Swelling or neck or throat

Goiter

Hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism

Myxedema

Thyroid adenoma

Allergic reactions (fever, rash)

Lymph node swelling

Salivary gland swelling/tenderness

Avoid repeat dosing in neonates or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding if possible; in acute radiation exposure, prioritize these individuals for evacuation; although these precautions should be taken, the benefits of short-term use of KI to block uptake of radioactive iodine by the thyroid gland far exceed its chances of side effects

Prescribe for radiation exposure only upon order from authorities

Caution in tuberculosis

Iodine poisoining (Iodism): Metallic taste, sore mouth, severe headache

Pregnancy Category: D

Increased risk of thyroid suppression in the fetus and neonate leads to a specific recommendation that newborns and pregnant women be given priority with regard to evacuation, safe shelter, and safe food/milk during radiation emergency in order to obviate, as possible, the need for repeat dosing with KI

Lactation: Excreted in breast milk

Dosage must be individualized to the indication for use, patient age, and clinical response.

Potassium Iodide

tablet

  • 65mg
  • 130mg

oral solution

  • 65mg/mL
  • 325mg/5mL

oral solution (concentrated)

  • 1g/mL
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