Potassium iodide

Brand Names

Potassium iodide

What is Potassium iodide

Potassium iodide is the potassium salt form of iodide, a naturally occurring substance. Potassium iodide is an expectorant. It works by thinning mucus secretions in the respiratory tract due to chronic respiratory problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema.


Side effects of Potassium iodide

The most common side effects of Potassium iodide include:

  • swollen glands
  • metallic taste in the mouth
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • stomach ache
  • headache

Some side effects of this medicine can be serious, they include the followings:

  • rash
  • hives
  • fever
  • joint pain
  • swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, hands or feet
  • trouble breathing, speaking, or swallowing
  • wheezing
  • shortness of breath
  • irregular heartbeat
  • chest pain
  • lump under the skin at the base of the neck


Indication

Potassium iodide is used to treat asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It can also be used to protect the thyroid gland from radiation injury before and following administration of radioactive iodide (e.g., for diagnostic purposes) and in radiation emergencies (e.g., accidental exposure to radiation).


Precautions

It is very important to inform your doctor before taking potassium iodide if you have:

  • a history of previous allergic reaction to iodide, iodine or other medicines
  • Addison's disease
  • dehydration
  • a high level of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia)
  • cystic fibrosis
  • tuberculosis
  • thyroid problems
  • goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland)
  • kidney problems


Dosage forms

Dose of Potassium iodide for adults

Disease/condition Dose
Cough 300-650 mg orally 3-4 times a day
Hyperthyroidism Oral solution: 250 mg orally 3 times a day. Give for 10-14 days before thyroid surgery. May be given as 0.25 ml of a 1 g/ml potassium iodine solution (SSKI) or as 4 mL of 325 mg/5 ml solution. Alternatively, 2-6 drops of a 10% potassium iodide/5% iodine solution may be given orally 3 times a day with food.
Cutaneous Sporotrichosis 250-500 mg orally 3 times a day. Increase gradually to a maximum of 2-2.5 grams 3 times a day. Continue at maximum tolerated dose until the cutaneous lesions have resolved, usually 6-12 weeks.
Radiation Emergency Pregnant or lactating women with exposure >= 5 centigrays (cGy): 130 mg orally per day. >18 and <=40 years with exposure >= 10 centigrays (cGy): 130 mg orally per day. >40 years with exposure >= 500 centigrays (cGy): 130 mg orally per day.


Dose Potassium iodide for children

Disease/condition Dose
Cough 60-250 mg orally every 4-6 times a day. Maximum single dose 500 mg.
Hyperthyroidism Oral solution: 250 mg orally 3 times a day. Give for 10-14 days prior to thyroid surgery
Cutaneous Sporotrichosis 250-500 mg orally 3 times a day. Increase gradually to a maximum of 1.25-2 grams 3 times a day. Continue at maximum tolerated dose until the cutaneous lesions have resolved, usually 6-12 weeks.
Radiation Emergency <=1 month with exposure >= 5 centigrays (cGy): 16 mg orally per day. >1 month <=3 years with exposure >= 5 centigrays (cGy): 32 mg orally per day. >3 years <= 18 years (less than 70 kg) with exposure >= 5 centigrays (cGy): 65 mg orally per day. >13 years >= 70 kg with exposure >= 5 centigrays (cGy): 130 mg orally per day.

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