Potassium Iodide is used for treating hyperactive thyroid and protect the thyroid gland from radioactive exposure to iodine through either inhalation or ingestion. It can be utilized prior to and following the administration of medications that contain radioactive iodine or after an accidental exposure to radioactive Iodine (for instance, radiation from nuclear power plant explosions that resulted in release of radioactivity into the surrounding environment). Your doctor might decide to utilize it for other concerns.
Potassium Iodide is consumed orally. Oral solutions, syrups uncoated tablets, as well as delayed-release tablets coated with enteric are all dosage options that are acceptable. However, using delayed-release tablets is generally not recommended because of the risk of serious side effects.
There are several oral solutions that are available for purchase over the counter.
The following dosage formulations are available to this item:
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Tablet
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Solution.
Prior to Use
The benefits of a drug must be assessed against dangers when deciding whether or not to utilize it. It is up to you to decide with your physician. Take note of these when using this medication:
Allergies
If you've ever had an uncharacteristic or unexpected reactions to this medicine or any other inform your doctor immediately. If you are suffering from additional allergies, like those to food, colors or preservatives or animals make sure you inform your doctor be aware. Be sure to read the ingredients either on the package or in the container of non-prescription drugs.
Pediatric
In infants in infants, potassium iodide tablets could cause thyroid issues as well as skin eruptions.
Geriatric
A variety of drugs have not been examined with care in older patients. So, whether they work similarly to how the way they work in younger people could not be determined. It isn't likely that potassium iodide could cause adverse effects or problems for older people than younger ones, despite the absence of research comparing its use in older people with that for other age categories.
Breastfeeding
The potential risk to infants of taking this medication while breastfeeding hasn't been properly researched for mothers. Before taking this medication during breastfeeding, you should weigh the potential benefits against potential disadvantages.
Drug reactions that are adverse
Although some medicines should not be used together, in certain situations, two different medications could be administered together, even though there is a chance of interaction. Your physician might decide to adjust dosages in these situations or take additional precautions may be necessary. It is essential to ensure that your healthcare provider is aware of any of the drugs listed below while you're taking this medication. These interactions aren't necessarily exhaustive , but were selected due to their potential importance.
Although there could be the possibility of having a greater risk of negative side effects if this medication is taken in conjunction with the following drugs, this may still be the most beneficial method for you.
Other Interactions
Due to the possibility of interactions, certain medications should not be taken close to meals or when eating certain food items. There are risks when you combine certain medicines with smoke or alcohol. The combination of your medication in conjunction with alcohol, food or tobacco needs to be reviewed with your doctor.
Other health problems
Contact your physician immediately in case you develop any other medical problems, particularly in the event that you:
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Potassium iodine could cause an increase in some diseases, including myotonia congenita, hyperkalemia and tuberculosis.
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The blood levels of potassium can increase as a result from kidney diseases.
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thyroid issue (unless it is a condition that you're taking the medicine to treat this medical issue)
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The thyroid gland can become damaged if potassium iodide has been often used.
Use Properly
Drink potassium iodide at the end of your meal either with food or drink milk if it causes upset in your stomach , unless your physician or pharmacist instructs you to do so. Talk to your doctor if persist with nausea, diarrhea vomiting, stomach discomfort.
People who use this medication to reduce radiation exposure
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Take this medication only as directed by the public health officials from the state or local officials.
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Use this medication daily till there's no danger of exposure to radiation that is significant.
Do not take more than you need or take it for longer than is recommended. A higher dose of medication won't offer you better protection , and could increase your chance of suffering negative adverse effects.
For patients who are taking this medicine as an oral solution:
Although it is in a dropper bottle the medication has to be taken orally.
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If the solution becomes yellowish brown, you should put it down.
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To enhance flavor and lessen stomach discomfort, consume potassium iodide as a whole glass (8 ounces) of water, juice from fruits or milk. To get the complete dose of the drug, be sure you drink all of the liquid.
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If the solution of potassium iodide crystallizes and forms crystals, they can be broken down by shaking the container when it is warm water.
For those who take this medicine in the form of tablets that are not coated:
Each tablet should be dissolvable in half the glass (4 8 ounces) of milk or water before using. Be sure to drink all of the fluids available to get the full dose.
