Iodine And Potassium Iodide

Iodine And Potassium Iodide is used to treat iodine deficiency and control overactive thyroid gland, a relatively common condition that can become serious and life threatening.

Iodine And Potassium Iodide is also given to individuals exposed or at high risk of exposure to harmful levels of radiation, such as nuclear power plant accidents.

Iodine And Potassium Iodide has high affinity to cells in the thyroid gland. It reduces hormone production of the thyroid cells.

Doctors prescribe Iodine And Potassium Iodide to control overactive thyroid and to prepare thyroid gland for thyroid surgery.

Iodine And Potassium Iodide also protects the thyroid gland from absorbing harmful levels of radiation, which can increase the risk of thyroid cancer.

Iodine And Potassium Iodide is a prescription medication and must be used only according to doctor’s instructions.

Before using Iodine And Potassium Iodide, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

Before taking Iodine And Potassium Iodide, tell the doctor if you have allergies to iodine, potassium or to shellfish. If you are allergic to shellfish, chances are you may experience sensitivities to Iodine And Potassium Iodide too. Make sure to tell your allergies to foods, dyes, preservatives or animal products before using Iodine And Potassium Iodide.

Iodine And Potassium Iodide may cause thyroid problems and skin rash in infants.

Discuss this with your doctor before giving Iodine And Potassium Iodide to your baby.

Iodine And Potassium Iodide can be used in young and elderly patients.

Tell the doctor if you are pregnant. Iodine And Potassium Iodide may be harmful to the unborn baby. The risks and benefits of the medication must be carefully considered before giving Iodine And Potassium Iodide to a pregnant patient.
Iodine And Potassium Iodide may have some risk to babies nursing from mothers taking medication. Discuss with your doctor about this risk before taking the medication. On the other hand, stop nursing a baby when taking Iodine And Potassium Iodide.

Make sure to tell your other health problems to the doctor before taking Iodine And Potassium Iodide. Note that the medication may worsen lung conditions like bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema.

Tell the doctor if you have

• too high potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia)
• kidney disease

before taking Iodine And Potassium Iodide.

Iodine And Potassium Iodide may interact with medications, so tell the medicines you take to your doctor. Here are some medicines that may interact with Iodine And Potassium Iodide:

• Acenocoumarol
• Anisindione
• Dicumarol
• Phenindione
• Phenprocoumon
• Warfarin

Proper usage of Iodine And Potassium Iodide requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders.

In the case of environmental or catastrophic release of radiation, local or national health authorities may direct you and others to take Iodine And Potassium Iodide.

Iodine And Potassium Iodide is available in a solution for oral intake. Inspect the medication first before administration. If crystals are present, warm the container in warm water and shake gently. Take Iodine And Potassium Iodide with food, milk or other fruit juice to mask the strong taste.

Oral Iodine And Potassium Iodide is given at the following doses and indications:

To treat overactive thyroid

• Adults and teenagers – one (1) ml three times a day. The first dose must be taken at least an hour after the first dose of antithyroid medication.
• Small children – dose is determined by the doctor.

To prepare for thyroid surgery

• Adults, teenagers, and children – three (3) to five (5) drops (0.1 to 0.3 ml) three times daily for ten days before surgery. You must take it with antithyroid medicine.

As protection against radiation exposure

• Adults and teenagers – 130 mg once a day for 10 days.
• Children – take 65 mg once a day for 10 days.

For iodine deficiency

• Adults and teenagers – 0.3 ml to 1 ml three to four times a day.
• Children – dose is determined by the doctor

Do not take more than needed.

If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take more of the medication to make up for the missed dose.

Keep Iodine And Potassium Iodide away from heat, moisture and light. Iodine And Potassium Iodide must be stored at room temperature. Do not freeze.

Before using Iodine And Potassium Iodide, there are some precautions you must take.

Always inspect the medication first before administration, especially if it has been stored for some time. Inspect stored medication and replace once expiration date is near.

Call the doctor if you experience

• diarrhea,
• stomach upset,
• nausea
• vomiting

after taking Iodine And Potassium Iodide.

Make sure to keep up with clinic appointments while using Iodine And Potassium Iodide. You need to be seen by the doctor frequently if you have problems in potassium levels in the blood or on a low-potassium diet.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Iodine And Potassium Iodide.

Call the doctor if you experienced the following while taking Iodine And Potassium Iodide:

• Severe allergic reaction like hives, itching and swelling of the tongue, lips, mouth, and throat
• Joint pain
• Swelling of the lymph glands
• Burning sensation in the mouth or throat
• Confusion
• Severe headache
• Increased salivation or watering of the mouth
• Irregular heart rate
• Numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in hands or feet
• Soreness of the teeth or gums
• Stomach upset
• Having symptoms of colds
• Unusual tiredness
• Weakness or heaviness of legs

Iodine And Potassium Iodide may cause the following side effects that are not harmful and no cause for alarm:

• Stomach upset
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Metallic taste