Potassium Iodide

Potassium iodide oral solution, USP is for use as an expectorant in the symptomatic treatment of chronic pulmonary diseases where tenacious mucus complicates the problem, including bronchial asthma, bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema.

Adults 0.3 ml (300 mg) or 0.6 ml (600 mg) diluted in one glassful of water, fruit juice or milk 3 to 4 times daily. To minimize gastric irritation, take with food or milk. This medication should be used no longer than necessary to produce the desired effect.

Contraindicated in patients with a known sensitivity to iodides.

Potassium iodide can cause fetal harm, abnormal thyroid function, and goiter when administered to a pregnant woman. Because of the possible development of fetal goiter, if the drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant during therapy, apprise the patient of the potential hazard.

GENERAL In some patients, prolonged use of iodides can lead to hypothyroidism. Iodides should be used with caution in patients having Addison's disease, cardiac disease, hyperthyroidism, myotonia congenita, tuberculosis, acute bronchitis, or renal function impairment. DRUG INTERACTIONS Concurrent use with lithium or antithyroid drugs may potentiate the hypothyroid and goitrogenic effects of these medications. Concurrent use with potassium-containing medications, potassium-sparing diuretics and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) may result in hyperkalemia and cardiac arrhythmias or cardiac arrest. DRUG & OR LABORATORY TEST INTERACTIONS Thyroid function tests may be altered by iodide. PREGNANCY see " Warnings " section. NURSING MOTHERS Potassium iodide is excreted in breast milk. Use by nursing mothers may cause skin rash and thyroid suppression in the infant. PEDIATRIC USE Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

GENERAL In some patients, prolonged use of iodides can lead to hypothyroidism. Iodides should be used with caution in patients having Addison's disease, cardiac disease, hyperthyroidism, myotonia congenita, tuberculosis, acute bronchitis, or renal function impairment.

Concurrent use with lithium or antithyroid drugs may potentiate the hypothyroid and goitrogenic effects of these medications. Concurrent use with potassium-containing medications, potassium-sparing diuretics and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) may result in hyperkalemia and cardiac arrhythmias or cardiac arrest.

The most frequent adverse reactions to potassium iodide are stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, skin rash, and salivary gland swelling or tenderness. Less frequent adverse reactions include gastrointestinal bleeding, confusion, irregular heartbeat, numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in hands or feet, unusual tiredness, weakness or heaviness of legs, fever, and swelling of neck or throat. Thyroid adenoma, goiter, and myxedema are possible side effects. Iodism or chronic iodine poisoning may occur during prolonged treatment or with the use of high doses. The symptoms of iodism include burning of mouth or throat, severe headache, metallic taste, soreness of teeth and gums, symptoms of head cold, irritation of the eyes with swelling of the eyelids, unusual increase in salivation, acneform skin lesions in the seborrheic areas, and rarely, severe skin eruptions. If symptoms of iodism appear, the drug should be withdrawn and the patient given appropriate supportive therapy. Hypersensitivity to iodides may occur and may be manifested by angioedema, cutaneous and mucosal hemorrhage, and signs and symptoms resembling serum sickness, such as fever, arthralgia, lymph node enlargement, and eosinophilia.

Acute toxicity from potassium iodide is relatively rare. An occasional individual may show marked sensitivity and the onset of acute poisoning can occur immediately or hours after administration. Angioedema, laryngeal edema and cutaneous hemorrhages may occur. Iodism or chronic iodine poisoning may occur during prolonged treatment or with the use of high doses. Symptoms of iodism typically disappear soon after discontinuation of the drug. Abundant fluid and salt intake aids in iodide elimination.

see " Warnings " section.

Potassium iodide is excreted in breast milk. Use by nursing mothers may cause skin rash and thyroid suppression in the infant.

Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

Potassium iodide oral solution, USP is a saturated solution of potassium iodide containing 1 gram of potassium iodide per mL.

Potassium iodide is thought to act as an expectorant by increasing respiratory tract secretions and thereby decreasing the viscosity of mucus.