Pharmacologic Substance
potassium iodide
po·tas·si·um i·o·dide
Brand Names:
Iosat; Lactocal; SSKI brand of Potassium Iodide; ThyroSafe; ThyroShield; Vitafol-One
Effect:
Decreased Respiratory Secretion Viscosity; Decreased Thyroid Hormone Secretion; Increased Respiratory Secretions; Increased Thyroid Hormone Iodination; Unknown Physiological Effect
May Prevent:
Surgical Wound Infection
May Treat:
Burns; Cough; Leg Ulcer; Poisoning; Radiation Injuries; Sporotrichosis; Staphylococcal Infections; Surgical Wound Infection; Thyrotoxicosis
More Information:
ChemID; DrugBank; DailyMed; PDR
Definitions related to potassium iodide:
  • A metal halide composed of potassium and iodide with thyroid protecting and expectorant properties. Potassium iodide can block absorption of radioactive iodine by the thyroid gland through flooding the thyroid with non-radioactive iodine and preventing intake of radioactive molecules, thereby protecting the thyroid from cancer causing radiation. In addition, this agent acts as an expectorant by increasing secretion of respiratory fluids resulting in decreased mucus viscosity.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • An inorganic compound that is used as a source of iodine in thyrotoxic crisis and in the preparation of thyrotoxic patients for thyroidectomy. (From Dorland, 27th ed)
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
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