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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