Description and Brand Names

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

US Brand Name

  1. Pima
  2. SSKI
  3. ThyroShield

Descriptions


Potassium iodide is used to treat overactive thyroid and to protect the thyroid gland from the effects of radiation from inhaled or swallowed radioactive iodine. It may be used before and after administration of medicine containing radioactive iodine or after accidental exposure to radioactive iodine (for example, from nuclear power plant accidents that involved release of radioactivity to the environment). It may also be used for other problems as determined by your doctor.

Potassium iodide is taken by mouth. It may be taken as an oral solution, syrup, uncoated tablet, or enteric-coated delayed-release tablet. However, the delayed-release tablet form may cause serious side effects and its use is generally not recommended.

Some brands of the oral solution are available without a prescription.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

  • Tablet
  • Solution

Portions of this document last updated: March 01, 2023