GENERIC NAME: potassium iodide

BRAND NAME: Pima, SSKI, Thyro-Block

DRUG CLASSIFICATION: EXPECTORANT; ANTITHYROID AGENT

MODE OF ACTION: Pharmacologic use primarily related to iodide portion of molecule.

Exact mechanism not clear but believed to increase secretion of respiratory fluids by
direct action on bronchial tissue, thereby decreasing mucus viscosity. If patient is
euthyroid, excess iodide ions causes minimal change in thyroid gland mass.
Conversely, when the thyroid gland is hyperplastic, excess iodide ions temporarily
inhibits secretion of thyroid hormone, fosters accumulation in thyroid follicles, and
decreases vascularity of gland.

SUGGESTED DOSE:

To Reduce Thyroid Vascularity:

Adult/Child: PO 50–250 mg t.i.d. for 10–14 d before surgery

Expectorant:

Adult: PO 300–650 mg p.c. b.i.d. or t.i.d.

Child: PO 60–250 mg p.c. b.i.d. or t.i.d.

Thyroid Blocking in Radiation Emergency:

Adult: PO 130 mg/d for 10 d

Child: PO <1 y, 65 mg/d for 10 d; >1 y, 130 mg/d for 10 d

INDICATIONS: Potassium iodide (KI) is a medication and dietary supplement. As a

dietary supplement, it has utility in patients with low iodine intake. As a prescribed
medication, it is used to treat severe hyperthyroidism, cutaneous inflammatory
dermatoses, nuclear emergencies, and to protect the thyroid gland when using
radiopharmaceuticals.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Potassium iodide is contraindicated in patients with:

- Active tuberculosis
- a goiter
- high levels of potassium in the blood
- decreased kidney function
- chronic inflammatory skin disease marked by blisters
- Hashimoto thyroiditis

SIDE EFFECTS:
GI: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain
Body as a Whole: Angioneurotic edema, cutaneous and mucosal haemorrhage
CV: Irregular heartbeat.
CNS: Mental confusion.
Respiratory: Productive cough, pulmonary edema.

NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assessment & Drug Effects

 Lab tests: Determine serum potassium levels before and periodically during
therapy.
 Keep physician informed about characteristics of sputum: quantity, consistency,
color.

Patient & Family Education

 Report to physician promptly the occurrence of GI bleeding, abdominal pain,

distension, nausea, or vomiting.
 Report clinical S&S of iodism (see ADVERSE EFFECTS). Usually, symptoms will
subside with dose reduction and lengthened intervals between doses.
 Avoid foods rich in iodine if iodism develops: Seafood, fish liver oils, and iodized
salt.
 Be aware that sudden withdrawal following prolonged use may precipitate thyroid
storm.
 Do not use OTC drugs without consulting physician. Many preparations contain
iodides and could augment prescribed dose [e.g., cough syrups, gargles, asthma
 medication, salt substitutes, cod liver oil, multiple vitamins (often suspended in
iodide solutions)].

GENERIC NAME: sodium iodide

BRAND NAME: Iodides, Iodopen

DRUG CLASSIFICATION: MINERALS; ELECTROLYTES

MODE OF ACTION: Oral sodium iodide is rapidly absorbed and distributed within the
extracellular fluid of the body. Iodide is concentrated in the thyroid via the sodium/iodide
symporter, and subsequently oxidized to iodine. Beta emission of sodium
iodide destroys thyroid tissue.

SUGGESTED DOSE:

Treatment of Hyperthyroidism
The recommended dose is 148 to 370 MBq (4 to 10 mCi) administered orally. Toxic
nodular goiter may require a larger dose.

Treatment of Thyroid Carcinoma

The recommended dose is 1100 to 3700 MBq (30 to 100 mCi) administered orally. For
subsequent ablation of metastases, the recommended dose is 3700 to 7400 MBq (100
to 200 mCi) administered orally.

INDICATIONS: Sodium Iodide I-131 is indicated for the treatment of hyperthyroidism

and selected cases of thyroid carcinoma.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Sodium Iodide I-131 is contraindicated in:

 Patients with vomiting and diarrhea.

 Lactation.
 Patients receiving concurrent anti-thyroid therapy.

SIDE EFFECTS:
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
  Hives
 joint pain
 swelling of arms, face, legs, lips, tongue, and/or throat
 swelling of lymph glands

With long-term use

 Burning of mouth or throat

 headache (severe)
 increased watering of mouth
 metallic taste
 skin sores
 soreness of teeth and gums
 stomach irritation

NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Ensure adequate hydration before and after treatment

- Instruct patients to void frequently to enhance elimination of radioiodide not

absorbed by thyroid.

- Adhere to radiation safety precautions regarding radioactive iodine treatment.

- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to
treatment.

- Patient may experience nausea or vomiting. Have patient report immediately to

prescriber signs of thyroid problems.