The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released guidance in December 2001 on how to safely use potassium iodide. In pill or liquid form, it can help protect you during a nuclear radiation emergency. How Does Potassium Iodide Work? Care should be exercised if potassium salts are given concomitantly with potassium-sparing diuretics, as hyperkalaemia may result (see section 4.5). Do not use ThySat after the expiry date which is stated on the label. The expiry date refers to thelast day of the month. Potassium salts should be given cautiously to patients with renal or adrenal insufficiency, acute dehydration or heat cramp. An overactive thyroid gland, thyroiditis, and an enlarged thyroid gland with or without development or myxoedema have also been reported.

The groups most likely to benefit from treatment with iodine tablets after exposure to radioactive iodine are children, adolescents, and pregnant and breast-feeding women as well as people living in iodine deficient areas (who are more likely to be affected by exposure to radioactive iodine). If the supply of stable iodine is limited, priority should be given to children and younger adults. A newborn (a baby less than 1 month old) could develop hypothyroidism if they take more than the suggested amount of potassium iodide. Hypothyroidism is a condition where your thyroid hormone levels are too low. If doctors don’t treat this, it can cause brain damage. To keep your infant safe: In children of 3 to 12 years 50% of the adult dose should be given and in children of 1 month to 3 years the dose should be 25% of the adult dose. Neonates, pregnant and breast-feeding women and older adults (> 60 years) should not receive more than one dose (see section 4.6). Neonates and older people (> 60 years) are at higher risk of adverse health effects if they receive repeated doses of stable iodine (see sections 4.4 and 4.6).

potassium iodide

Newborns are particularly sensitive to iodine overload, probably by an immature regulation system. For neonates who have been administered potassium iodide in the first few weeks of life TSH levels and, if necessary, T4 levels should be monitored and appropriate replacement therapy given (see also section 4.4). A single daily dose should be administered. This will protect against exposure lasting up to 24 hours (see section 4.4). After taking ThySat babies under the age of 3 months should be taken to see their doctor assoon as possible so that their thyroid functioncan be closely monitored.

The risk of iodine induced hyperthyroidism may be increased in patients with asymptomatic nodular goitre or latent Graves' disease, who are not under medical care. Iodine-induced autoimmunity (Grave's and Hashimoto type), toxic nodular goitre and iodine-induced transient hyper- or hypothyroidism have been reported as side effects of iodine therapy. Electrolyte and water losses should be replaced and the circulation should be maintained. Pethidine (100 mg) or morphine sulphate (10 mg) may be given for pain. A tracheostomy may become necessary. You’ll take potassium iodide before or right after you’re exposed to radioactive iodine. You could also take it 3 to 4 hours after, but it won’t be as effective. Continued administration may lead to mental depression, nervousness, sexual impotence and insomnia.In general, most people can take potassium iodide without any problems. But it’s always important to talk to your doctor before you use it. If you have certain medical conditions, it might not be a good idea to take the medication.