About

KI 01

KI (potassium iodide) is a salt of stable (non-radioactive) iodine that can help limit radioactive iodine absorption by the thyroid gland, sparing it from radiation damage.

What is the mechanism of action of KI (potassium iodide)?

The efficacy of KI as a selective inhibitor of thyroid radioiodine absorption is well known. When provided at the authorized dose, KI is helpful in lowering the risk of thyroid cancer in people or communities who are at risk of radioiodine inhalation or ingestion. KI floods the thyroid with non-radioactive iodine, preventing radioactive molecules from being absorbed and passed in the urine.

KI (potassium iodide) is available in the following forms:

  1. Tablets (130 mg and 65 mg).
  2. Solution (SSKI) 65mg/mL.

Instructions

Patients should start 24 hours before mIBG injection then continue for 1-2 days for I-123 mIBG or 2-3 days for I131 mIBG.

Age Group KI dose (mg) 130 mg tablets 65 mg tablets SSKI 65 mg/mL Iodine Equivalent
Adults over 18 years 130 mg 1 tablet 2 tablets 2 mL 100 mg
Over 12 – 18 years and over 70 kg 130 mg 1 tablet 2 tablets 2 mL 100 mg
Over 12 – 18 years and under 70 kg 65 mg ½ tablet 1 tablet 1 mL 50 mg
Over 3 -12 years 65 mg ½ tablet 1 tablet 1 mL 50 mg
Over 1 month to 3 years 32 mg Use SSKI ½ tablet 0.5 mL 25 mg
Birth -1 month 16 mg Use SSKI Use SSKI 0.25 mL 12.2 mg
  • * 1 Drop = 0.05 mL

Alternatives

☢️ Radiological and Nuclear Emergencies

disasters

Radioactive iodine may be discharged into the environment in some radiation events, such as nuclear power plant accidents, and enter the body by inhalation or ingestion. This is known as internal contamination. High quantities of radioactive iodine absorbed by the thyroid can raise the risk of thyroid cancer in newborns, children, and youths for many years following exposure.

Iodine Thyroid Blocking (ITB) should only be taken if public health or emergency response professionals, or a healthcare provider, instructs to. ITB has the potential to be damaging to one’s health. ITB is only useful for certain groups of people in specific circumstances.

Iodine Thyroid Blocking (ITB) should not be considered a stand-alone protective action. A comprehensive public protection strategy covering all urgent and early protective actions, as well as other response actions, including evacuation and sheltering, restriction on consuming contaminated food, milk and drinking water, should be developed as per the IAEA’s general safety requirements  and its supporting safety guide.

The optimal period of administration of stable iodine is less than 24 hours prior to, and up to two hours after, the expected onset of exposure. It would still be reasonable to administer (ITB) up to eight hours after the estimated onset of exposure. However, starting with ITB later than 24 hours following exposure may yield more harm than benefit since it would prolong the biological half-life of radioactive iodine that has accumulated in the thyroid.

A single administration of stable iodine is usually sufficient. However, in the case of prolonged (beyond 24 hours) or repeated exposure, unavoidable ingestion of contaminated food and drinking water, and where evacuation is not feasible, repeated administration of stable may be necessary. Neonates, pregnant and breastfeeding women and older adults (over 60 years), should not receive repeated ITB.

🛑 WARNING

Iodine thyroid blocking (ITB) can be hazardous to one’s health and may induce allergic responses. When ITB is not taken exactly as advised by a physician or public health expert, the risk of harm increases.

Harmful health effects may include:

  • Gastro-intestinal (stomach) upset, rashes, and inflammation of the salivary glands.
  • Allergic reaction.
  • The development of hypothyroidism in infants less than one month old who receive more than one dose of ITB.
  • Severe illness or death in people who take more ITB than recommended (lethal adult dose of free iodine is 2 to 4 g).

📢 Disclaimer

The information provided in the form above is for educational purposes only. The website does not provide medical advice or other professional services. The information on this website is subject to change without notice, and does not necessarily represent the latest information. The readers of this website assume full responsibility for the use of any information provided.

❰❰ REFERENCES