Potassium iodide is used to treat hyperactive thyroid and shield the thyroid gland against radioactive iodine exposure by inhalation or ingestion. It can be used both before and after administering a radioactive iodine-containing medication or following an unintentional exposure to radioactive iodine (for example, from nuclear power plant accidents that involved the release of radioactivity to the environment). Your doctor may decide to use it for further issues.
Potassium Iodide is used orally. Oral solutions, syrups, uncoated tablets, and enteric-coated delayed-release tablets are all acceptable dosage forms. However, the usage of the delayed-release tablet form is typically not advised due to the potential for major side effects.
There are certain oral solution brands that can be purchased over-the-counter.
The following dose formulations are offered for this product:
- Tablet
- Solution.
Prior to Use
The benefits of a medicine must be evaluated against the hazards when determining whether to use it. You will decide this along with your doctor. Consider the following when using this medication:
Allergies
If you have ever experienced an unusual or adverse reaction to this medication or any other medication, let your doctor know right away. If you have any additional allergies, such as those to foods, colors, preservatives, or animals, be sure to let your healthcare provider know. Read the ingredients carefully on the label or container of non-prescription products.
Pediatric
In babies, potassium iodide may result in thyroid issues and skin rashes.
Geriatric
Many medications have not been carefully examined in elderly patients. Therefore, whether they function in the same way they do in younger adults may not be known. It is not anticipated that potassium iodide will have different side effects or issues in older persons than in younger ones, notwithstanding the lack of precise data comparing usage in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Breastfeeding
The risk to the baby of taking this medicine while breastfeeding has not been adequately studied in women. Before using this drug during nursing, weigh the potential advantages against the potential drawbacks.
Adverse drug reactions
While some medications should never be combined, in other circumstances two distinct medications may be given together even if an interaction may happen. Your doctor might wish to adjust the dosage in these circumstances, or additional safety measures could be required. It is crucial that your healthcare provider is aware of your use of any of the medications on the following list while you are taking this medication. The following interactions are not necessarily exhaustive but have been chosen because of their potential significance.
Although there may be a higher risk of some side effects when this medication is used with any of the following medications, doing so may still be the best course of action for you.
Other Interactions
Given the potential for interactions, some medications shouldn’t be taken at or close to mealtimes or when consuming specific foods. There could be problems if you combine certain medications with alcohol or smoke. The use of your medication with food, alcohol, or tobacco should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Other health issues
Tell your doctor right once if you experience any further medical issues, especially if you:
Potassium iodine may exacerbate some illnesses, such as Myotonia congenita, hyperkalemia, and tuberculosis.
Potassium levels in the blood may rise as a result of kidney illness.
thyroid condition (unless you are taking this medicine for this medical problem)
—The thyroid gland may become damaged if potassium iodide is used frequently.
Use Properly
Take potassium iodide after meals, with food, or with milk if it disturbs your stomach unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Consult your doctor if you continue to experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
Those that use this medication to prevent radiation exposure:
- Only take this medication as prescribed by state or local public health officials
- Take this medication once daily until there is no longer a risk of substantial radiation exposure.
Never take more of it or take it more frequently than recommended. More medication will not provide you with better protection and may increase your risk of experiencing negative effects.
For individuals taking this medication as an oral solution:
- Even though it comes in a dropper container, this medication must be taken by mouth.
- If the solution turns brownish yellow, stop using it.
- To enhance flavor and decrease stomach disturbance, take potassium iodide in a full glass (8 ounces) of water, fruit juice, milk, or broth. To receive the entire dosage of the medication, make sure to consume all the liquid.
- If potassium iodide solution crystallizes, the crystals can be broken up by gently shaking the container while it is heated in warm water.
For people taking this medication in the form of uncoated tablets:
Each tablet should be dissolved in half a glass (4 ounces) of water or milk before use. Make sure you consume all the available fluids to consume full dosage.
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