Potassium Iodide, KI oral solution or syrup

What is this medication?

POTASSIUM IODIDE, KI (puh TAS ee uhm AHY uh dahyd) is used to treat certain thyroid conditions. It is also used to prevent thyroid damage after a nuclear radiation emergency.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pima, SSKI

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•Addison's disease

•dermatitis herpetiformis

•heart disease

•high levels of potassium in the blood

•hypocomplementemic vasculitis

•kidney disease

•myotonia congenita

•thyroid disease

•tuberculosis

•an unusual or allergic reaction to potassium iodide, iodine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label. Mix the dose in one glass of water, fruit juice, or milk. Take with food or milk. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

•other medicine for the thyroid

•propylthiouracil, PTU

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

•certain diuretics like spironolactone, triamterene

•certain medicines for high blood pressure or heart failure like enalapril

•lithium

•potassium supplements

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor for regular checks ups. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•breathing problems

•burning in mouth, throat

•chest pain

•fast, irregular heartbeat

•fever with joint pain

•lump or swelling on the neck

•metallic taste

•pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

•unusual aches, pains

•unusual bleeding, bruising

•unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•diarrhea

•headache

•nausea, vomiting

•upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. At lower than room temperature, crystals may form in this medicine. If crystals form, let the bottle warm to room temperature and shake to dissolve. Throw this medicine away if it turns brownish yellow. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.