Potassium iodide

South African indications: 

• Hyperthyroidism

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of its excipients
• Pregnancy
• Hypocomplimentaemic vasculitis
• Dermatitis herpetiformis
• Nodular thyroid disease with heart disease 

Cautions

• Breastfeeding
• Renal impairment 
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Tuberculosis
• Cardiac disease
• Acute bronchitis
• Myotonia congenita

Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: sol

Pre-operative to thyroidectomy 

• Oral (sol): 1-5 drops, 8hrly; Treatment duration: 10-14 days pre-surgery

Thyrotoxic crisis/ thyroid storm 

• Oral (sol): 5 drops, 6-8hrly; At least 1hr after the first dose of antithyroid agent

Paed. forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: sol

Pre-operative to thyroidectomy 
-  Patients unable to receive concurrent antithyroid therapy

• Oral (sol): 3-7 drops, 8hrly

- Patients receiving concurrent antithyroid therapy

• Oral (sol): 1-2 drops, 8hrly

Thyrotoxic crisis/ thyroid storm 

Younger than 1 year

• Oral (sol): 2 drops, 6hrly

Older than 1 year

• Oral (sol): 5 drops, 6-12hrly

Pregnancy

• FDA Pregnancy Category D

Breastfeeding

• Caution

Renal Impairment

• Caution; no dose adjustment recommended 

Hepatic impairment

• No dose adjustment recommended

Elderly

• No dose adjustment recommended

Central Nervous System Disorders

• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Numbness
• Tingling sensation

Cardiovascular Disorders

• Arrythmias
• Vasculitis

Respiratory Disorders

• Dyspnoea 
• Rhinitis
• Wheezing

Gastrointestinal Disorders

• Nausea and vomiting 
• Diarrhoea
• Enlargement of salivary glands
• Gastric distress
• Gastrointestinal haemorrhage
• Gingival pain
• Stomach pain
• Toothache

Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders

• Goitre
• Hypothyroidism 
• Hyperthyroidism
• Myxoedema

Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Arthralgia
• Weaknes

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

• Acne vulgaris
• Dermatitis
• Urticaria

Immune, Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders

• Hypsersensitivity reactions
• Fever
• Lymphadenopathy 
• Eosinophilia
• Thyroid adenoma

Sensory Disorders

• Metallic taste

• Eplerenone
• Potassium-sparing diuretics 
• Sodium iodide I131
• Vitamin K antagonists

Thyroid function tests 

Iodine rapidly inhibits release of thyroid hormones from the thyroid gland. It also inhibits iodide uptake into the gland as well as organification of iodide. Iodine aqueous solution is given to render the thyroid firm and avoid the increased vascularity and friability with increased risk of haemorrhage that may result from the use of an antithyroid agent alone.

Potassium iodide

Solution (per 100ml) 100g

• Potassium Iodide Solution (USP)