Iodide Pills ( Potassium Iodide): Everything You Need To Know

In this video we will cover everything you need to know about Iodide pills, also known as Potassium Iodide. We will discuss how and when to use it, we will cover its side effects, dosage and much, much more.

Generic name: Potassium Iodide.
Brand names: IOSAT and thyrosafe.
Available as a tablets and capsules..

How to use it?
- Both the capsule or tablet: should be swallowed whole with half a glass of water.

When to use it?
Potassium Iodide can be used to treat several thyroid problems, like a struma, thyrotoxic storm or Graves disease. It can also be prescribed als preparation before thyroid surgery.
Furthermore iodide pills can be used in a nuclear disaster to prevent your thyroid from absorbing harmful radioactive iodine.
Lastly potassium iodide can be used to treat several infections with rare molds and yeasts.

What is the correct dosage?
The precise dose will depend on your specific indication of use, the side effect you might experience and the severity of your symptoms. Therefore always use the precise amount and frequency your doctor prescribed you.
- However, the usual dose in preparation for thyroid surgery could be 50–250 mg 3×/day for 10–14 days prior to the surgery.
- In event of a nuclear disaster, only take the tablets at the express request of your government. If requested take the tablets/capsules as soon as possible. If you wait 4-6 hours your thyroid gland already absorbed 50% of radiated iodine. If you wait more than 12 hours it will be fully absorbed with radioactive iodine.
- In adults up to 40 years and children ≥ 12 years: usually a dose of 130mg 1x/day is advised. Repeat this every 24 hours, as long as you remain exposed to radiation.

What are the side-effects?
- Allergic reactions, including angioedema, hemorrhage, fever, rash and lymph node swelling.

Prolonged use or use of high doses:
- Iodism, characterized by a burning sensation in the mouth or throat, stomach irritation, colds, sneezing, metallic taste, severe headache, raw teeth and gums, decreased/increased function of the thyroid,
- Potassium toxicity, characterized by muscle weakness and irregular heartbeat.

Safety:
First of all you can combine iodine pills with any type of food and with alcohol. It is also safe to drive when you use iodine pills.
However, they can cause an interaction with other drugs you might be using. Always discuss this with your prescribing doctor.
Lastly the usage of iodine pills can be dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn baby. The same is true for women which are breastfeeding. An one time dose during a nuclear disaster is often allowed, but always discuss this with your personal doctor.

- Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -

I want to give special thanks to my sponsors on Patreon:
- Sebastian Houwing: Investor

Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2021). Kaliumjodide.

Music:
1. Polaroid Memories - DivKid

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[halfdeadwizard]

The fact this only has 8k views is concerning more people should be aware of this

[momoary]

Simple question. Does iodine help potassium in absorption and vice versa, please explain?

[sopeace]

Let's just all hope there'll be no need to take them in the (near) future..

[korourke]

Does one 130 mg tablet fill the thryroid? or does it have to be a series taken before the thyroid is filled?

[dennwren]

Hi, can you tell me if kelp, or kelp tablets are effective in a nuclear fall out event? Also, should people in their 60’s take potassium iodine in nuclear emergency? What about children? Thank you for an informative discussion. I would be grateful if you could answer these questions.

[meanhe]

What use are these if I already had thyroid cancer and don’t have a thyroid?

[jenniferthimesch]

Is it recommend that in case of radiation exposure that you take this even if you don't have a thyroid anymore?

[Sambo]

I'm on Levothroxine medicine for a low thyroid, so how does potassium iodide tablets effect me if I'm taking that medicine for my thyroid? Thanks in advance!

[freehat]

Apparently NOT answering questions but, How would you take it if you have the powdered form?

[stukafaust]

Is it safe to give to toddlers and if so what's the dose?

[Hawkeyeoff]

Hi Raoul, good information mate, just what I needed to hear.. Another thing mate, you are not from the Netherlands..you are from Nederland. Be proud of the name mate..don't let foreigners tell you otherwise. Nederland.

[kenw]

I'm a subscriber of yours.
Are these pills effective, or at least somewhat effective, for atomic and/or nuclear weapon attacks? If so, what should be the dose of each pill, and how many times a day should they be taken? Also, how long should they be taken in their recommended daily dose(s), before, during, and after these attacks? I'm 65 years old, and in good health.

[razielvingrimm]

I highly doubt if you were in the situation where you're taking potassium iodide pills because of nuclear fallout that you'll be able to consult your doctor

[das]

Does iodine protect the other organs from exposure or is the thyroid the centre of the most affected organs ?

[LilYetiTv]

*Feaux all of you surgeons out there!*

[davidlanham]

Is a cheap brand the same as an expensive brand?

[Iseeitu]

What if you have Graves Disease? Can it be taken with methamazole?

[bigdaddybaker]

Thank you for the knowledge ! Subscribed!

[Richard-ovvt]

If a persons thyroid is dead they’re not gonna need to protect from this aspect of radiation yes or no?

[kookie]

Would it be safe for me to take this? I’m in my early 20’s and had my thyroid removed, i am now taking medication that replaces my thyroid.