What is this medicine?
POTASSIUM IODIDE, KI (puh TAS ee uhm AHY uh dahyd) is used to treat certain thyroid conditions. It is also used to prevent thyroid damage after a nuclear radiation emergency.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- breathing problems
- burning in mouth, throat
- chest pain
- fast, irregular heartbeat
- fever with joint pain
- lump or swelling on the neck
- metallic taste
- pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
- unusual aches, pains
- unusual bleeding, bruising
- unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- diarrhea
- headache
- nausea, vomiting
- stomach upset
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label. Mix the dose in one glass of water, fruit juice, or milk. Take with food or milk. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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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.
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What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
- other medicine for the thyroid
- propylthiouracil, PTU
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
- certain diuretics like spironolactone, triamterene
- certain medicines for high blood pressure or heart failure like enalapril
- lithium
- potassium supplements
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Who should NOT use this medication?
- Known hypersensitivity to iodides or any ingredient in the formulation.
- Hypocomplementemic vasculitis.
- Dermatitis herpetiformis.
- Nodular thyroid disease (e.g., multinodular goiter) with heart disease.
- Active tuberculosis.
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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor for regular checks ups. You may need to have blood work done while you are taking this medicine.
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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
- dermatitis hepatitis
- heart disease
- high level of potassium in the body
- hypocomplementemic vasculitis
- kidney disease
- myotonia congenita
- thyroid disease
- tuberculosis
- an unusual or allergic reaction to potassium iodide, iodine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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Where can I get more information?
More Information
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