Potassium Iodide

GENERIC NAME: Potassium Iodide

PHARMACOLOGICAL CLASS: ExpectorantS, Antidote
ATC CODE: R05CA02
PRACTICE INSIGHTS:
DOSE
ADULT:
Radiation emergency

130 mg PO qDay; not to exceed 1 dose/24 hr

Expectorant
Oral

2SSKI: 300-600 mg PO q6-8hr

Thyrotoxic Crisis
Oral

250-500 mg (5-10 gtt of 1 g/mL) PO q4-6hr

Preoperative thyroidectomy
Oral

50-250 mg (1-5 gtt of 1 g/mL) PO q8hr

PEDIATRIC:
Expectorant

SSKI: 60-250 mg PO q6hr

DOSE ADJUSTMENT
Hepatic impairment

No dosage adjustment provided in manufacturers labeling

Renal impairment

Should be used cautiously in patients with renal dysfunction, an increase in serum

potassium can occur in patients with renal impairment.

INDICATIONS (OPTIONAL):

Cystic fibrosis
Chronic sinusitis

PREGNANCY & LACTATION:

Category D

Excretion in breast milk known/not recommended

MODE OF ACTION:

Expectorant :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

ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS: Arrhythmia

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
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
CONTRAINDICATIONS & WARNINGS:

Contraindicated in
o Hypersensitivity to Iodine
o Hyperthyroidism
o Respiratory failure
Risk of
o Iodine poisoning

DIETARY & GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Advise female patients to avoid Pregnancy

MONITORING PARAMETERS:

Monitor:
o CBC with differential, Vitals
o Pulmonary function
o Signs/symptoms of HUS