Iodide Pills ( Potassium Iodide): Everything You Need To Know

In this video we will cover everything you need to know about Iodide pills, also known as Potassium Iodide. We will discuss how and when to use it, we will cover its side effects, dosage and much, much more.

Generic name: Potassium Iodide.
Brand names: IOSAT and thyrosafe.
Available as a tablets and capsules..

How to use it?
Both the capsule or tablet: should be swallowed whole with half a glass of water.

When to use it?
Potassium Iodide can be used to treat several thyroid problems, like a struma, thyrotoxic storm or Graves disease. It can also be prescribed als preparation before thyroid surgery.
Furthermore iodide pills can be used in a nuclear disaster to prevent your thyroid from absorbing harmful radioactive iodine.
Lastly potassium iodide can be used to treat several infections with rare molds and yeasts.

What is the correct dosage?
The precise dose will depend on your specific indication of use, the side effect you might experience and the severity of your symptoms. Therefore always use the precise amount and frequency your doctor prescribed you.
However, the usual dose in preparation for thyroid surgery could be 50–250 mg 3×/day for 10–14 days prior to the surgery.
In event of a nuclear disaster, only take the tablets at the express request of your government. If requested take the tablets/capsules as soon as possible. If you wait 4-6 hours your thyroid gland already absorbed 50% of radiated iodine. If you wait more than 12 hours it will be fully absorbed with radioactive iodine.
In adults up to 40 years and children ≥ 12 years: usually a dose of 130mg 1x/day is advised. Repeat this every 24 hours, as long as you remain exposed to radiation.

What are the side-effects?
Allergic reactions, including angioedema, hemorrhage, fever, rash and lymph node swelling.

Prolonged use or use of high doses:
Iodism, characterized by a burning sensation in the mouth or throat, stomach irritation, colds, sneezing, metallic taste, severe headache, raw teeth and gums, decreased/increased function of the thyroid,
Potassium toxicity, characterized by muscle weakness and irregular heartbeat.

Safety:
First of all you can combine iodine pills with any type of food and with alcohol. It is also safe to drive when you use iodine pills.
However, they can cause an interaction with other drugs you might be using. Always discuss this with your prescribing doctor.
Lastly the usage of iodine pills can be dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn baby. The same is true for women which are breastfeeding. An one time dose during a nuclear disaster is often allowed, but always discuss this with your personal doctor.

Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -

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Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2021). Kaliumjodide.
2: Apotheek.nl (2021). Kaliumjodide.

The images in this video are used for educational purposes only. Most of the images and videos in this video come from https://www.canva.com/.

Music:
1. Polaroid Memories - DivKid

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