Potassium Iodide (By mouth)
poe-TAS-ee-um EYE-oh-dide
Loosens mucus in your chest and lungs. Also protects your thyroid gland from radiation.
Drug classes
Antithyroid Agent, Expectorant, Iodide Supplement, Radiation Emergency, Thyroid Blocking Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Potassium iodide 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.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, potassium iodide is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
To prepare the thyroid gland before a thyroid operation
Iodine deficiency
Certain skin conditions caused by fungus
In addition to the above information, for patients taking this medicine for a fungus infection:
Keep taking it for the full course of treatment , even if you begin to feel better after a few days. This will help clear up your infection completely. Do not miss any doses .
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Liquid
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Drink half a glass (4 ounces) of water when you take this medicine.
If a dose is missed:
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep the bottle tightly closed after use.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to potassium iodide. You should not use this medicine if you have an overactive thyroid or goiter (due to lack of iodine), or if you have kidney disease.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, shortness of breath, or numbness or tingling in your hands, feet or lips.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Lumps in your armpits or neck.
Metallic taste in your mouth.
Mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Mild skin rash.
Skin rash.
Stomach pain.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Pima, SSKI, ThyroShield
There may be other brand names for this medicine.