Potassium Iodide
Potassium Iodide Information

About Potassium Iodide

Potassium Iodide is oral antithyroid agent. Potassium Iodide is used as an adjunct to other antithyroid agents in the treatment of hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis and preoperatively to induce thyroid involution. The drug is also useful as a protectant of the thyroid gland following radiation exposure and has demonstrated efficacy in treating cutaneous sporotrichosis. Although itwas used as an expectorant for conditions such as cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, and bronchial asthma, Potassium Iodide is no longer recommended because evidence of clinical efficacy is lacking for this indication. Potassium Iodide is approved by the FDA in 1939. Exerts its action in the thyroid gland, by inhibiting thyroid hormone synthesis and release, thyroid gland vascularity is reduced, thyroid gland tissue becomes firmer, thyroid cell size is reduced, follicular colloid reaccumulates, and bound iodine levels increase. As a protectant following radiation exposure, KI blocks the uptake of radioactive iodine isotopes by the thyroid gland thereby minimizing the risk of radiation-induced thyroid neoplasms.

Indications

Potassium Iodide is primarily indicated in conditions like Cataract, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Myopia, Periphlebitis.

Contraindication

Potassium Iodide is contraindicated in conditions like Hyperthyroidism.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Potassium Iodide, which give rise to further complications include Hyperthyroidism.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Potassium Iodide are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Burning, Acne, Lacrimation, Pricking sensation.

Warnings

Observed patient closely for acute iodide toxicity if symptoms appear discontinues the therapy. It should be used with caution in patient with hyperthyroidism, cardiac disease or renal (kidney) impairment.

High Risk Groups

If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.