Potassium iodide - poe-TAS-ee-um EYE-oh-dide is using to treat overactive thyroid and to protect the thyroid gland from the effects of radiation from inhaled or swallowed radioactive iodine. It may be using before and after administration of drug containing radioactive iodine or after accidental exposure to radioactive iodine - for example, from nuclear power plant accidents that involved release of radioactivity to the environment. It may also be using for other problems as determined by your family doctor.
Potassium iodide is taken by mouth. It may be taken as an oral solution, syrup, uncoated tablet, or enteric-coated delayed-release tablet. However, the delayed-release tablet form may cause serious side effects and its use is generally not recommended.
Some brands of the oral solution are available without a prescription. Use them only as directed by state or local public health authorities in case of a radiation emergency. Other forms and strengths of potassium iodide are available only with your family doctor's prescription.
Potassium iodide is available in the following dosage forms:
Some commonly using brand names are:
In the USA
In Canada
Generic name product may be available in the USA
Other commonly using names are KI and SSKI .
* Not commercially available in the USA; however, potassium iodide tablets are available to government and public health organizations for use in radiation emergencies.