KI or Potassium Iodide Use

KI, or potassium iodide, is normally used for radiological emergencies, since it’s a thyroidal blocking agent. KI is often used by emergency workers, people who are institutionalized, and those who reside within a 10-mile radius of a nuclear power plant. Moreover, back in 2001, the Food and Drug Administration even developed guidance over the use of potassium iodide in radiation emergencies. In addition, KI is used as a preparation for thyroid surgery, as well as a treatment for high thyroid levels in health care. It may also be used as an expectorant.

KI or Potassium Iodide pills use

KI is recommended to be used in radiation emergencies due to the fact that it can protect the thyroid gland from radio-iodine. If you inhale or ingest food contaminated by radio-iodine, it may cause injury to the thyroid, as iodine will accumulate in the thyroid gland. Meanwhile, the amount of radio-iodine up-taken by the thyroid can be reduced by infusing the thyroid gland with KI.

KI is recommended to be taken before you are exposed to radio-iodine, or right after you are exposed. Although potassium iodide can be taken up to 3 or 4 hours after exposure, it won’t be that effective. KI should be taken once every day until the end of radiation emergency. If it is prescribed as a medical treatment, it needs to be taken 3 or 4 times a day after meal with water. By the way, it is important to consume large quantities of fluids, especially water, while using this medication.

The proper dosage is based on your age and weight, and KI can be taken in pill or liquid forms that are both available over the counter. Legal marketing of the brand names Iosat, ThyroSafe, and ThyroShield are approved by the Food and Drug Administration, but they may not be easily located in shops. Meanwhile, they can be easily obtained online and stored away, as KI has a shelf life of 5 to 7 years.

There are some side effects of KI, including loss of appetite and stomach distress, but these effects may disappear after several days. In case you experience other side effects like fever, sores in your mouth, vomiting, rash, nausea, swelling in your neck and throat, tingling and numbness in hands and feet, stomach pains, irregular heartbeat, or a metallic taste in the mouth, you are recommended to consult your doctor.

Your doctor should be also informed of any medications you are currently taking, especially potassium supplements, thyroid medication, lithium or diuretics, as well as over-the-counter medications. Finally, if you show sensitivity to iodine, it is recommended that you inform your doctor or avoid taking KI.

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