Potassium Iodide, KI tablets

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What are potassium iodide, KI tablets?

POTASSIUM IODIDE, KI (Iostat®, ThyroBlock®) tablets are used only to protect the thyroid gland from exposure to radioactive iodine, which may occur in the event of a nuclear plant accident or an attack with nuclear weapons. To be effective, the tablets need to be taken as soon as possible in the event of a radioactive incident, preferably within a few hours. Potassium iodide tablets do not protect against all types of radiation exposure or injury. At this time, only certain products are FDA-approved for this purpose. Potassium iodide tablets are not approved for other uses. Use for radiation protection should be under the guidance of a prescriber or public health authority. Generic potassium iodide tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• Addison's disease
• bronchitis
• cystic fibrosis
• dehydration
• dermatitis herpetiformis
• goiter
• heart disease
• high level of potassium in the body
• kidney disease
• thyroid disease
• tuberculosis
• vasculitis
• an unusual or allergic reaction to potassium iodide, iodine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take potassium iodide tablets by mouth and swallow. You may take the tablets with water, orange juice, low-fat milk or chocolate milk, or flat soda (cola). Follow the directions on the product label. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. This medicine is intended for emergency use only. If this medicine is needed for a radiation exposure, most persons will take one dose per day until the risk of radiation exposure has passed and/or until public health officials have successfully implemented other protective actions, like evacuation, shelter, and control of the food supply. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions about taking this medicine.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Do not give potassium iodide to your infant or child unless you have the approval of your health care professional or public health official. If your child or infant needs to take this medicine, you may need to learn how to prepare the doses in a drink or infant formula to hide the salty taste. Special instructions are available; ask your prescriber or pharmacist.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with potassium iodide?

• drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol
• heparin
• lithium
• methimazole
• potassium supplements
• propylthiouracil
• some medicines for high blood pressure or heart failure
• some water pills or diuretics (examples: amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking potassium iodide?

If you are taking a non-prescription product for prevention of thyroid problems due to radiation exposure, do not take for more than 14 days without the advice of a health care professional. Public health officials or your prescriber will be able to instruct you on the needed length of treatment. Potassium iodide will only protect the thyroid gland, and does not protect against other forms of radiation exposure or injury.

If you are on a low-potassium diet, talk to your prescriber or health care professional about your potassium intake before taking potassium iodide.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking potassium iodide.

What side effects may I notice from taking potassium iodide?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• burning in the mouth or throat
• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• sore gums and teeth
• fever
• goiter (enlarged thyroid gland causing swelling in the throat)
• irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• menstrual changes
• metallic taste
• numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• severe headache
• skin rash and itching (hives) or acne-like skin problems
• swelling of face, mouth, arms, or neck
• weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• diarrhea
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach pain or cramps

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F), preferably in the original container or packaging. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.