Dosing & UsesAdultPediatric Show
Dosage Forms & Strengthstablet
oral solution
oral solution (concentrated)
Radiation EmergencyIndicted during environmental radiation emergency to block uptake of radioactive iodine isotopes in thyroid and reduce risk of thyroid cancer 130 mg PO qDay; not to exceed 1 dose/24 hr Ideally initiate 1-48 hr prior to exposure Continue daily dose until exposure risk has passed and/or until other measures (eg, evacuation, sheltering, control of the food and milk supply) have been successfully implemented Risk reduction with acute exposure
ExpectorantSSKI: 300-600 mg PO q6-8hr Thyrotoxic Crisis250-500 mg (5-10 gtt of 1 g/mL) PO q4-6hr Preoperative Thyroidectomy50-250 mg (1-5 gtt of 1 g/mL) PO q8hr for 10-14 days Other Indications & UsesCystic fibrosis, chronic sinusitis (adjunct) Dosage Forms & Strengthstablet
oral solution
oral solution
Radiation EmergencyIndicted during environmental radiation emergency to block uptake of radioactive iodine isotopes in thyroid and reduce risk of thyroid cancer Infants <1 month: 16.25 mg PO qDay; not to exceed 1 dose/24 hr 1 month-3 years: 32.5 mg PO qDay; not to exceed 1 dose/24 hr 3-13 years: 65 mg PO qDay; not to exceed 1 dose/24 hr >13 years or adolescents weighing >70 kg (154 lb): 130 mg PO qDay; not to exceed 1 dose/24 hr Ideally initiate 1-48 hr prior to exposure Continue daily dose until exposure risk has passed and/or until other measures (eg, evacuation, sheltering, control of the food and milk supply) have been successfully implemented Risk reduction with acute exposure
Neonatal Graves DiseaseSSKI: 1 gtt PO q8hr ExpectorantSSKI: 60-250 mg PO q6hr Interaction CheckerEnter a drug name and potassium iodide No Interactions Found Interactions Found ContraindicatedSerious - Use AlternativeSignificant - Monitor CloselyMinorAll Interactions Sort By: Contraindicated (1)
Serious - Use Alternative (0)Monitor Closely (54)
Minor (0)Adverse EffectsFrequency Not DefinedArrhythmia Skin rash Gastrointestinal irritation or bleeding Diarrhea Paresthesia Swelling or neck or throat Goiter Hypothyroidism Hyperthyroidism Myxedema Thyroid adenoma Allergic reactions (fever, rash) Lymph node swelling Salivary gland swelling/tenderness WarningsContraindicationsIodine sensitivity (although allergy to radiocontrast media, contact dermatitis from iodine-containing antibacterials, allergy to seafood should NOT be considered evidence of potassium iodide allergy) Hyperthyroidism Respiratory failure CautionsAvoid repeat dosing in neonates or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding if possible; in acute radiation exposure, prioritize these individuals for evacuation; although these precautions should be taken, the benefits of short-term use of KI to block uptake of radioactive iodine by the thyroid gland far exceed its chances of side effects Prescribe for radiation exposure only upon order from authorities Caution in tuberculosis Iodine poisoining (Iodism): Metallic taste, sore mouth, severe headache Pregnancy & LactationPregnancy Category: D Increased risk of thyroid suppression in the fetus and neonate leads to a specific recommendation that newborns and pregnant women be given priority with regard to evacuation, safe shelter, and safe food/milk during radiation emergency in order to obviate, as possible, the need for repeat dosing with KI Lactation: Excreted in breast milk Pregnancy CategoriesA: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk. B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available. PharmacologyMechanism of ActionExpectorant: Iodine helps to increase respiratory secretions and decrease viscosity Hyperthyroidism: Suppresses thyroid hormone synthesis Thyroid protective: Systemically circulating potassium iodide is readily taken up by thyroid gland by sodium/iodide transporter in basal membrane; concentration gradient of thyroid gland to plasma is 20-50:1 PharmacokineticsDistribution: Significant extracellular distribution, with most accumulation in thyroid gland Onset: Therapeutic effects in hyperthyroidism observed within 24 hr Maximum effect: After 10-15 days of therapy Duration of effect: Therapeutic effect may persist up to 6 weeks after chronic administration; 24 hr for radioactive iodine exposure Metabolism: Unknown Excretion: Renal ImagesNo images available for this drug. Patient HandoutPOTASSIUM IODIDE - ORAL (poh-TASS-ee-um EYE-oh-dyed) COMMON BRAND NAME(S): SSKI USES: Potassium iodide is used to loosen and break up mucus in the airways. This helps you cough up the mucus so you can breathe more easily if you have long-term lung problems (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema). This medication is known as an expectorant.Potassium iodide is also used along with antithyroid medicines to prepare the thyroid gland for surgical removal, to treat certain overactive thyroid conditions (hyperthyroidism), and to protect the thyroid in a radiation exposure emergency. It works by shrinking the size of the thyroid gland and decreasing the amount of thyroid hormones produced.In a radiation emergency, potassium iodide blocks only the thyroid from absorbing radioactive iodine, protecting it from damage and reducing the risk of thyroid cancer. Use this medication along with other emergency measures that will be recommended to you by public health and safety officials (such as finding safe shelter, evacuation, controlling food supply). HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) as directed by your doctor or public health and safety officials. To avoid stomach upset, take after meals or with food. Drink plenty of liquids with this medication unless otherwise directed. If you are taking the tablets, do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication. If you are using the drops or liquid medication, use the dropper that comes with the bottle or a medication spoon/device to measure the correct dose. Liquid forms of this product may be mixed in water, milk, formula, or juice before taking. Do not use this medication if the solution turns brownish-yellow.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, dosage is also based on age. Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or take it for longer than prescribed or recommended because of the increased risk of side effects.In a radiation emergency, take this drug only when public health and safety officials tell you to do so. Read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with the medication. Start treatment as soon as possible for the best protection. Take this medication usually once every 24 hours. The length of treatment will be determined by public health and safety officials and depends on several factors (such as whether you continue to be exposed to the radiation, and whether you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or have a newborn baby). See also Precautions.If so directed, use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse. SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhea, metallic taste in the mouth, fever, headache, or acne may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: burning mouth/throat, sore teeth/gums, swelling inside the mouth, increased saliva, eye irritation/swollen eyelids, severe headache, swelling of the front of the neck/throat (goiter), signs of decreased thyroid gland function (such as weight gain, cold intolerance, slow/irregular heartbeat, constipation, unusual tiredness), confusion, numbness/tingling/pain/weakness of the hands/feet.Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, bloody diarrhea.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing, fever with joint pain.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. PRECAUTIONS: Before taking potassium iodide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to iodine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: current attack/worsening of bronchitis (if taking potassium iodide to thin mucus in the lungs), a certain type of skin condition (dermatitis herpetiformis), a certain type of blood vessel disease (hypocomplementemic vasculitis), certain thyroid disorders (such as multinodular goiter, Graves' disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, nodular thyroid disease with heart disease), overactive thyroid disease (unless you are specifically prescribed potassium iodide to treat hyperthyroidism), tuberculosis, high potassium blood level, kidney disease, Addison's disease, a certain muscle disorder (myotonia congenita).Caution is advised when this drug is given to newborn babies younger than 1 month old. Treatment for more than 1 day should be avoided because repeated dosing increases the risk of blocking thyroid function, possibly affecting the newborn's brain development. If treatment is needed for longer than 1 day, discuss the risks and benefits with the doctor. Treated babies should be given thyroid function tests.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Treatment for more than 1 day should be avoided because repeated dosing increases the risk of blocking thyroid function in the unborn baby, possibly causing harm. If treatment is needed for longer than 1 day, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.Caution is advised when this drug is used by women who are breast-feeding. This drug passes into breast milk. Treatment for more than 1 day should be avoided if you are breast-feeding because repeated dosing increases the risk of blocking thyroid function in the nursing infant. This effect may cause harm, especially in newborns younger than 1 month old. If treatment is needed for longer than 1 day, discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits, as well as whether you should stop breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug are: ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, lisinopril), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs such as losartan, valsartan), certain "water pills" (potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene), drospirenone, eplerenone, lithium, potassium-containing drugs (including supplements such as potassium chloride). OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as thyroid function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. If crystals form in the solution, dissolve them by placing the closed bottle in a container of warm water, then gently shake the bottle. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. Information last revised September 2022. Copyright(c) 2022 First Databank, Inc. IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs. FormularyFormularyPatient Discounts Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class. To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time. Adding plans allows you to:
The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information. View explanations for tiers and restrictions
Non-Medicare Plans Medicare Plans From: To: The recipient will receive more details and instructions to access this offer. By clicking send, you acknowledge that you have permission to email the recipient with this information. From: To: The recipient will receive more details and instructions to access this offer. By clicking send, you acknowledge that you have permission to email the recipient with this information. Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature. How does Sski work in thyroid storm?Potassium iodide (SSKI) is an antithyroid medication. It works by blocking radioactive (dangerous) versions of iodine from entering the thyroid gland. The medication allows your thyroid gland to absorb the iodine in the medication instead of the radioactive version.
How does potassium iodide affect thyroid?Potassium Iodide (KI) affects the production of thyroid hormone and is useful in treating conditions related to thyroid hormone, especially severe cases of thyrotoxicosis. Also, KI is a salt that can protect the thyroid in cases of high radiation exposure.
Why Potassium iodide is used to treat hyperthyroidism?Descriptions. Potassium iodide is used to treat overactive thyroid and to protect the thyroid gland from the effects of radiation from inhaled or swallowed radioactive iodine.
Why is potassium iodide given before thyroidectomy?Administration of potassium iodide solution (KI) is recommended prior to thyroidectomy for Graves' because it is thought to make surgery easier and safer. Historically, KI in combination with propranolol effectively controlled hyperthyroidism even in the absence of currently available anti-thyroidal medications.
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