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What is potassium iodide?
Potassium iodide is the potassium salt form of iodide, a naturally occurring substance. Potassium iodide is an expectorant. It thins mucus secretions in the respiratory tract that may be caused by chronic respiratory problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Potassium iodide is also 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).

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What are the possible side effects of potassium iodide?

Stop taking potassium iodide and seek emergency medical attention if you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take potassium iodide and talk to your doctor if you experience

• nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, or stomach pain;

• mild skin rash; or

• a metallic taste in the mouth.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

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How should I take potassium iodide?
Take potassium iodide exactly as directed. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to explain them to you. To ensure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Take the oral solution with water or another beverage as directed by your doctor. It is important to take potassium iodide regularly to get the most benefit.

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What is the most important information I should know about potassium iodide?
Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking this medication before having surgery or taking other medicines.

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What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

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What other drugs will affect potassium iodide?
Potassium iodide may interact with other medications. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, during treatment with potassium iodide.

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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

Potassium iodide (KI) has been assigned to pregnancy category D by the FDA. KI can cause fetal harm, abnormal thyroid function and goiter when administered to a pregnant woman. Potassium iodide is considered contraindicated during pregnancy.

The use of KI, or any iodide, is contraindicated during pregnancy because of the potential for fetal goiter secondary to fetal thyroid trapping of iodide. There are data to suggest the safe use of short-term (10 days) of KI in preparation for maternal thyroidectomy. In 2001 the FDA issued a guidance document for the use of potassium iodide in radiation emergencies. The FDA stated pregnant women should be given should be potassium iodide for their own protection and for that of the fetus. However, because of the risk of blocking fetal thyroid function with excess stable iodine, repeat dosing of pregnant women should be avoided.

Potassium iodide (KI) is excreted into and concentrated in human milk. While the American Academy of Pediatrics considers potassium iodide to be compatible with breast-feeding, many experts caution against the use of KI--or any iodide--during breast-feeding because of the risk of neonatal goiter and hypothyroidism. The effect of high concentration iodide ingestion on the nursing infant is not known.

In 2001 the FDA issued a guidance document for the use of potassium iodide (KI) in radiation emergencies. The FDA stated lactating women should be given should be potassium iodide for their own protection, as for other young adults, and potentially to reduce the radioiodine content of the breast milk, but not as a means to deliver KI to infants, who should get their KI directly. As for direct administration of KI, stable iodine as a component of breast milk may also pose a risk of hypothyroidism in nursing neonates. Therefore, repeat dosing with KI should be avoided in the lactating mother, except during continuing severe contamination. If repeat dosing of the mother is necessary, the nursing neonate should be monitored for the potential development of hypothyroidism.

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What does my medication look like?
Potassium iodide is available with a prescription under the brand name Pima. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you. Pima 325 mg/5 mL-black raspberry flavored liquid

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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of a potassium iodide overdose are not known.

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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking potassium iodide?
Before taking potassium iodide, talk to your doctor 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); or kidney problems. You may not be able to take potassium iodide, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment. Potassium iodide is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take potassium iodide without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

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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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