Products
In many countries, the potassium iodide tablets 65 mg army pharmacy are on sale, corresponding to 50 mg iodine. They are delivered free of charge to all persons living near a nuclear power plant (radius 50 km). For the rest of the population, there are decentralized warehouses from which the tablets can be distributed quickly if needed.
Structure and properties
Potassium iodide tablets 65 mg are white to almost white, divisible into quarters, non-coated tablets without stains or discoloration (PH). They should be stored away from light at room temperature (15-25°C) and out of reach of children. Potassium iodide (KI, Mr = 166.0 g/mol) exists as colorless crystals or white powder and is very soluble in water.
Effects
Potassium iodide tablets (ATC V03AB21) are used after a serious nuclear power plant accident involving leakage of radioactive material. They can prevent radioactive iodine, such as iodine-131, from accumulating in the thyroid gland and causing thyroid cancer or other thyroid diseases. On the other hand, they do not protect against radioactive radiation and are not “radiation protection tablets.” If you are at risk, you must go to a house, basement, or shelter, or leave the area. The thyroid gland is a very sensitive organ to radiation and children and adolescents are particularly affected by cancer after a nuclear disaster. Cancer cases can occur even hundreds of kilometers from the reactor. Young adults, on the other hand, have a low risk that decreases even further with age. The risk for adults over 40 is considered extremely low unless exposure is very high. Radioactive iodine is inhaled mainly through the respiratory tract when a radioactive cloud passes by and is absorbed very rapidly into the body. As a possible alternative to potassium iodide tablets, thyrostatic agents such as carbimazole, thiamazole, or propylthiouracil can also be used as second-line agents if contraindications exist. They inhibit the formation of iodine-containing thyroid hormones. Sodium or potassium perchlorate inhibit like iodine uptake. Instead of potassium iodide, potassium iodate (KIO3) could be used, but it is more irritating to mucous membranes.
Mechanism of action
The effects are due to competitive inhibition and saturation of the sodium-iodide cotransporter by the nonradioactive iodide. This transporter is responsible for transporting iodide into the thyroid gland. The radioiodine is excreted by the kidneys within about 2 days, just like normal iodide. Iodine-131 has a half-life of about 8 days.
Indications
To prevent incorporation of radioactive iodine isotopes (radioiodine) during reactor accidents in the event of an incident. The decision to use is made by the National Emergency Operations Center and announced over the radio. The drug should not be taken without an order from the federal government. Currently, there is no reason to take it in many countries.
Dosage
According to package insert and as directed by authorities. Most effective is taken a few hours before or at the same time as radioiodine exposure. It is still advisable to take the tablets a few hours after exposure. The tablets should be taken with plenty of liquid and not on an empty stomach. They can also be dissolved in a drink. The drink must be consumed immediately. Because of the long half-life, once-daily administration is sufficient.
Contraindications
There are certain groups of people, conditions, and diseases in which iodine tablets cannot be used or precautions are necessary:
- Hypersensitivity to iodine
- Untreated hyperthyroidism
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Newborns until the first month
- Thyroid autonomies
- Dermatitis herpetiformis Duhring
- Myotonia congenita
- Iododerma tuberosum
- Hypocomplementemic vasculitis
- Taking certain medications (see below)
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
The effects of thyrostatic drugs are attenuated by potassium iodide. When lithium is taken concomitantly, the development of goiter and hypothyroidism is favored. Hyperkalemia may occur when taking potassium-sparing diuretics.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include indigestion, metallic taste, conjunctivitis, swelling of salivary glands, headache, cough, bronchitis, pulmonary edema, palpitations, and restlessness. Rarely, iodine-induced hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism and hypersensitivity reactions occur. The risk for adverse effects increases with age.
