Potassium Iodide and Iodine

Use potassium iodide and iodine as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Mix with water or juice as you have been told and drink.
• If you get this medicine in the eyes or on the skin, rinse with water.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about potassium iodide and iodine, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about potassium iodide and iodine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using potassium iodide and iodine.

Review Date: October 4, 2017

• Iodine and Potassium Iodide
• Lugol's Solution
• Potassium Iodide/Iodine
• Strong Iodine Solution

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Solution, External:

Generic: Potassium iodide 10% and iodine 5% (8 mL)

Solution, Oral:

Generic: Potassium iodide 10% and iodine 5% (14 mL, 473 mL)

Tincture, External:

Generic: Potassium iodide 5% and iodine 7% (30 mL, 480 mL)

In hyperthyroidism, iodine temporarily inhibits thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion into the circulation; use also decreases thyroid gland size and vascularity. Serum T4 and T3 concentrations can be reduced for several weeks with use but effect will not be maintained.

Following radioactive iodine exposure, potassium iodide blocks uptake of radioiodine by the thyroid, reducing the risk of thyroid cancer.

Refer to adult dosing.

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.

Store at room temperature of 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from light and keep container tightly closed.

Thyroid function tests, signs/symptoms of hyperthyroidism; thyroid function should be monitored in pregnant women, neonates, and young infants if repeat doses are required following radioactive iodine exposure