Potassium iodide - Oral

Potassium iodide is used to protect the thyroid gland from the effects of radiation from nuclear accidents.

This medicine may also be used to relieve productive cough (a type of cough which produces mucus or phlegm) by loosening the phlegm which makes it easier to cough up.

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.

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 the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost 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:

• dermatitis herpetiformis (skin disease characterised by itchy, blistering, burning skin rash in the elbows, knees, scalp or buttocks)
• hypocomplementaemic vasculitis (a condition characterised by inflammation of the blood vessels and low levels of certain proteins in the blood)
• nodular thyroid condition (enlarged thyroid gland) with heart disease

as Potassium iodide may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• history of or current excessive thyroid hormones in the blood
• Addison's disease (a rare disorder where the adrenal glands produce insufficient amounts of certain hormones)
• dehydration (excessive water loss from the body)
• heart disease
• bronchitis (lung condition where your airways are inflamed and produce a lot of mucus [phlegm])
• myotonia congenita (a rare inherited disease in which the muscles are unable to relax immediately after movement or contraction)
• TB (an infection known as tuberculosis)
• cramps 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 Potassium iodide to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.

For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests (e.g. thyroid function test) to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.

Potassium iodide may cause any of the following side effects: diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness.

If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop taking this medicine and inform your doctor immediately. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.

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 pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. triamterene, amiloride
• certain medicines for high blood pressure e.g. captopril, enalapril
• amiodarone (medicine for irregular heartbeat)
• lithium (medicine for mood disorders)

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 that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from light and moisture.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.