Potassium Iodide is used to protect the thyroid gland from the effects of radiation from inhaled or swallowed radioactive iodine.
This medicine may also be used to relieve the symptoms of cough. It helps loosen and thin secretion of phlegm from the lungs.
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Potassium iodide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
If you experience any stomach discomfort, take it with food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Potassium Iodide is available as a tablet or as an oral solution.
If you are taking the tablet, you may crush and mix it with water, low fat milk, orange juice, soda, raspberry syrup or infant formula.
If you are taking the oral solution, you may dilute it in one glass of water, fruit juice or milk.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- itchy, blistering, burning skin rash in the elbows, knees, scalp, or buttocks
- hypocomplementaemic vasculitis (a disease-causing inflammation of the blood vessels)
- nodular thyroid condition (enlarged thyroid gland) with heart disease
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- kidney disease
- heart disease
- wind-pipe (airways) problems
- TB (infection known as tuberculosis)
- myotonia congenita (hereditary disorder affecting the muscles)
- thyroid problems or are being treated for thyroid disease
- adrenal gland problems e.g. adrenal insufficiency (condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones), Addison’s disease (disorder of the adrenal glands)
- dehydration (loss of body fluids especially water)
- cramp due to extreme heat
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor may need to conduct thyroid function tests while you are being treated with this medicine.
Potassium iodide may cause any of the following side effects: headache, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or discomfort, metallic taste, fever, rashes, and swelling or inflammation of the mouth and throat.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacists if you are taking any other of these medicines:
- other antithyroid drugs e.g. methimazole
- potassium-containing drugs e.g. potassium supplements
- medicines for water retention or “water pills” e.g. triamterene, amiloride
- medicines for mood disorder e.g. lithium
- medicines for high blood pressure and heart disease e.g. captopril, enalapril, quinidine
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Potassium iodide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Keep tablets in their original package and the solution tightly closed to protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
