Potassium Iodide-uses,condtion it treats and side effect_health

Uses

Potassium iodide is used to loosen and break up mucus in the airways. This helps youcough up the mucus so you can breathe more easily if you have long-term lungproblems (e.g., asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema). This medication is known as an expectorant.

Potassium iodide is also used along with antithyroid medicines to prepare the thyroidgland for surgical removal, to treat certain overactive thyroid conditions (hyperthyroidism), and to protect the thyroid in a radiation exposure emergency. It works by shrinking the size of the thyroid gland and decreasing the amount of thyroid hormones produced.

In a radiation emergency, potassium iodide blocks only the thyroid from absorbing radioactive iodine, protecting it from damage and reducing the risk of thyroid cancer. Use this medication along with other emergency measures that will be recommended to you by public health and safety officials (e.g., finding safe shelter, evacuation, controlling food supply).

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by yourhealth care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used to treat a certain type of fungal skin infection(sporotrichosis).

How to use potassium iodide

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) as directed by your doctor or public health and safety officials. To avoid stomach upset, take after meals or with food. Drink plenty of liquids with this medication unless otherwise directed. If you are taking the tablets, do not lie down for 10 minutes after taking this medication. If you are using the drops or liquid medication, use the dropper that comes with the bottle or a medication spoon/device to measure the correct dose. Liquid forms of this product may be mixed in water, milk, formula, or juice before taking. Do not use this medication if the solution turns brownish-yellow.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, dosage is also based on age. Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or take it for longer than prescribed or recommended because of the increased risk of side effects.

In a radiation emergency, take this drug only when public health and safety officials tell you to do so. Read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with the medication. Start treatment as soon as possible for the best protection. Take this medication usually once every 24 hours. The length of treatment will be determined by public health and safety officials and depends on several factors (e.g., whether you continue to be exposed to the radiation, and whether you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or have a newborn baby). See also Precautions.

If so directed, use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

credit/source: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1823/potassium-iodide-oral/details

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Conditions

What conditions does potassium iodide treat?

potassium iodide oral is used to treat the following:

Protection of the Thyroid Gland from Radiation

potassium iodide oral may also be used to treat:

Skin & Lymph Node Infection by Sporothrix Schenckii Fungus, Surgery on the Thyroid Gland, Toxic Condition of Newborn due to Overactive Thyroid Gland

credit/source: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1823/potassium-iodide-oral/details/list-conditions

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhea, metallic taste in the mouth, fever,headache, or acne may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: burning mouth/throat, sore teeth/gums, swelling inside the mouth, increased saliva,eye irritation/swollen eyelids, severe headache, swelling of the front of the neck/throat (goiter), signs of decreased thyroid gland function (e.g., weight gain, cold intolerance, slow/irregular heartbeat, constipation, unusual tiredness), confusion

credit/source: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1823/potassium-iodide-oral/details#side-effects

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If symptoms persist consult your doctor.