Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

• potassium iodide is a chemical compound composed of potassium and iodine. It has various actions and applications and a broad spectrum of effects on the human body. Here are some of the actions and uses of potassium iodide: 
• Radiation protection: potassium iodide can protect the thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine, which can be released during nuclear accidents or radiation therapy. The recommended dose for radiation protection is typically 130 milligrams (mg) per day for adults and children over 18 years of age. 
• Treatment of hyperthyroidism: potassium iodide can be used to treat an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) by reducing the production of thyroid hormones. 
• Contrast agent: potassium iodide can be used as a contrast agent for medical imaging studies such as CT scans and X-rays. 
• Antibacterial agent: potassium iodide has antibacterial properties and can treat infections caused by bacteria and fungi. 
• Nutritional supplement: potassium iodide is an essential nutrient necessary for the proper function of the thyroid gland and the production of thyroid hormones. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Arrhythmia 

Skin rash 

Gastrointestinal irritation  

Diarrhea 

Paresthesia 

Swelling of neck/throat 

Congestive heart failure 

Goiter 

Hypothyroidism 

Hyperthyroidism 

Myxedema 

Thyroid adenoma 

Allergic reactions  

Lymph node swelling 

Phlebitis 

Angina 

Fever 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

While potassium iodide has many applications and benefits, there are certain contraindications and precautions that should be taken into consideration. Some of these include: 

• Allergy to iodine: Individuals allergic to iodine should not take potassium iodide, as it can cause an allergic reaction. 
• Hyperthyroidism: potassium iodide can exacerbate the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and should be avoided in individuals with this condition. 
• Hypothyroidism: Individuals with hypothyroidism should be cautious when taking potassium iodide, as it can interfere with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. 
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: potassium iodide should only be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding if specifically recommended by a healthcare provider. Excessive iodine intake can harm the developing fetus or nursing infant. 
• Kidney disease: Individuals with kidney disease may have difficulty eliminating excess iodine from their bodies and should be monitored closely when taking potassium iodide. 
• Medication interactions: potassium iodide can interact with certain medications, such as lithium, and should be used cautiously in individuals taking these medications. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Category D 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

potassium iodide is excreted in breastmilk 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: Satisfactory and well-controlled studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: No evidence of risk to the fetus is found in animal reproduction studies, and there are not enough studies on pregnant women.    
• Category C: Adverse effects on the fetus found with evidence in animal reproduction studies and no adequate evidence for a human product; Pregnant women must take care of the potential risks. 
• Category D: There is adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms. However, despite potential dangers may be used only in emergencies for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. The drug is not for pregnant women. 
• Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

potassium iodide (KI) is a salt of iodine that is used for various medical and therapeutic purposes. Here are some of the pharmacological properties of potassium iodide: 

• Mechanism of action: potassium iodide works by saturating the thyroid gland with iodine, thereby preventing it from taking up radioactive iodine, which can be released during a nuclear accident. It can also inhibit the synthesis and release of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. 
• Half-life: The half-life of potassium iodide is approximately 10 to 30 hours. 
• Pharmacokinetic interactions: potassium iodide can interact with other drugs that affect the thyroid gland, such as lithium, and can also interfere with thyroid function tests. 
• Adverse effects: Adverse effects of potassium iodide include gastrointestinal disturbances, allergic reactions, and hyperthyroidism in susceptible individuals. 
• Dosage and administration: The recommended dose of potassium iodide for radiation protection is 130 mg/day for adults and children over 18 years of age. It is usually administered orally as a tablet or solution. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

potassium iodide (KI) has various pharmacodynamic effects on the body. Here are some of the key pharmacodynamic properties of potassium iodide: 

• Radioprotective effect: potassium iodide can protect the thyroid gland from the harmful effects of radioactive iodine by saturating the gland with stable iodine, which prevents the uptake of radioactive iodine. 
• Antithyroid effect: potassium iodide can inhibit the synthesis and release of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland, leading to a decrease in thyroid hormone levels. 
• Mucolytic effect: potassium iodide has a mucolytic effect, meaning it can help break up mucus in the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up. 
• Antifungal and antibacterial effect: potassium iodide has antimicrobial properties and can be used to treat infections caused by bacteria and fungi. 
• Nutritional effect: potassium iodide is an essential nutrient for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and the production of thyroid hormones. 
• Hypotensive effect: potassium iodide has been shown to have a mild hypotensive effect, meaning it can lower blood pressure in some individuals. 
• Antioxidant effect: potassium iodide has antioxidant properties and may help protect cells from oxidative damage. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption  

potassium iodide is rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract 

Distribution 

It is distributed throughout the body, with the highest concentrations found in the thyroid gland. 

Metabolism  

potassium iodide is metabolized in the body 

Elimination and Excretion 

The drug is excreted primarily in the urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

potassium iodide (KI) is available as tablets or as a liquid solution for oral administration. Here are some guidelines for the administration of potassium iodide: 

• Radiation protection: For individuals exposed to radioactive iodine, the recommended dose of potassium iodide is 130 mg/day for adults and children over 18 years of age. Children between the ages of 3 and 18 should take a dose of 65 mg/day, and children between 1 month and 3 years should take a dose of 32 mg/day. Infants under 1 month of age should be given a smaller dose based on their weight. 
• Thyroid storm: In the treatment of thyroid storm, a high dose of potassium iodide may be administered intravenously in a hospital setting under close medical supervision. 
• Mucolytic effect: For the treatment of respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis or cystic fibrosis, potassium iodide may be administered orally in a dose of 300 to 900 mg/day. 
• Antifungal and antibacterial effect: For the treatment of fungal and bacterial infections, potassium iodide may be administered orally in a dose of 1 to 2 grams/day. 
• Nutritional supplement: For the prevention of iodine deficiency, potassium iodide may be administered orally in a dose of 150 to 300 mcg/day for adults. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: potassium iodide 

Pronounced: poe-TAH-see-um-EYE-oh-dide 

Why do we use potassium iodide? 

potassium iodide (KI) is used for various medical and therapeutic purposes. Here are some of the main reasons why potassium iodide is used: 

• Radiation protection: potassium iodide can protect the thyroid gland from the harmful effects of radioactive iodine by saturating the gland with stable iodine, which prevents the uptake of radioactive iodine. It is used in emergencies such as nuclear accidents or radiation therapy. 
• Treatment of hyperthyroidism: potassium iodide can inhibit the thyroid glands synthesis and release of thyroid hormones, leading to a decrease in thyroid hormone levels. It can treat hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. 
• Mucolytic effect: potassium iodide has a mucolytic effect, which can help break up mucus in the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough. It treats respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis or cystic fibrosis. 
• Antifungal and antibacterial effect: potassium iodide has antimicrobial properties and can treat infections caused by bacteria and fungi. 
• Nutritional supplement: potassium iodide is essential for properly functioning the thyroid gland and producing thyroid hormones. It is a nutritional supplement to prevent iodine deficiency, which can lead to thyroid dysfunction and goiter.