Category

• Antifungal, systemic
• Antihyperthyroid agent
• Iodine replenisher
• Radiation protectant, thyroid gland
• Thyroid inhibitor

Description

Potassium iodide (poe-TAS-ee-um EYE-oh-dide) is used to treat overactive thyroid and to protect the thyroid gland from the effects of radiation from inhaled or swallowed radioactive iodine. It may be used before and after administration of medicine containing radioactive iodine or after accidental exposure to radioactive iodine (for example, from nuclear power plant accidents that involved release of radioactivity to the environment). It may also be used for other problems as determined by your doctor.

Potassium iodide is taken by mouth. It may be taken as an oral solution, syrup, uncoated tablet, or enteric-coated delayed-release tablet. However, the delayed-release tablet form may cause serious side effects and its use is generally not recommended.

Some brands of the oral solution are available without a prescription. Use them only as directed by state or local public health authorities in case of a radiation emergency. Other forms and strengths of potassium iodide are available only with your doctor's prescription.

Potassium iodide is available in the following dosage forms:

Oral
• Delayed-release tablets (U.S.)
• Oral solution (U.S.)
• Syrup (U.S.)
• Tablets (Canada)

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Pima

In Canada—

• Thyro-Block *

Generic name product may be available in the U.S.

Other commonly used names are KI and SSKI .

* Not commercially available in the U.S.; however, potassium iodide tablets are available to government and public health organizations for use in radiation emergencies.