KI is a pill or liquid that can be used in radiation emergencies that involve radioactive iodine. KI contains non-radioactive iodine. Non-radioactive iodine helps prevent radioactive iodine from being absorbed by the thyroid gland.
How does KI work?
The thyroid gland cannot tell the difference between non-radioactive and radioactive iodine. It will absorb both kinds. KI works by keeping radioactive iodine out of the thyroid gland where it can cause damage. When a person takes KI, the thyroid absorbs the non-radioactive iodine in the medicine. Because KI contains so much non-radioactive iodine, the thyroid becomes “full” and cannot absorb any more iodine—either stable or radioactive—for the next 24 hours.
KI does not keep radioactive iodine from entering the body and cannot reverse the health effects caused by radioactive iodine once the thyroid gland is damaged.
Do not use table salt or food as a substitute for KI. Table salt and foods rich in iodine do not contain enough iodine to block radioactive iodine from getting into your thyroid gland. Too much table salt can be harmful.
Do not use dietary supplements that contain iodine in place of KI. Only use KI products that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Only take KI on the advice of a medical doctor, public health, or emergency management officials. Taking too much KI or taking KI when it is not recommended can have serious health risks.
1. What is potassium iodide (KI) and what is it used for?
If there is a radiation emergency at a nuclear plant, large amounts of something called radioiodine could be put into the air. This could hurt your thyroid gland, or even cause thyroid cancer later on. You could breathe in the radioiodine or eat food that has some radioiodine in it. When you take the KI pill, it protects your thyroid gland from being harmed.
2. How does KI work?
When you take the KI pill, it fills your thyroid with a kind of iodine that prevents your thyroid gland from taking in any of the radioactive kind of iodine.
3. What age group has the highest risk from exposure to radioiodine?
Young children have the highest risk. We have learned this from looking at children in Russia and other areas who were exposed to the radioiodine from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident.
4. When should KI be taken?
You need to take KI before or just after you are exposed to radioiodine. You can also take it 3 or 4 hours later, but it will not be as helpful.
5. How will I know if I should take KI?
If there is an emergency, you will hear an announcement from your local or state health officials. Your local health department will tell you when you should start taking KI and they will also tell you when you can stop taking it.
6. Does KI work in all radiation emergencies?
KI will only protect you from radioactive iodine. It does not protect you from other kinds of radioactive material. KI works very well to protect your thyroid gland. However, it protects only your thyroid, not other parts of your body.
7. What will happen in an emergency?
You will be told what, if any, actions you should take to protect yourself. This might include leaving the area, staying inside with your windows closed and/or taking KI.
8. Can people have reactions to KI?
In general, most people who have taken KI have not had any reactions (side effects). If people did have a reaction, it did not last very long. In a few cases, babies had a reaction in their thyroids. Adults who had reactions had stomach problems or a rash. The federal government thinks the benefits of taking KI are much greater than the risks
9. Are there some people who should not take KI?
Most people can take KI, but you should talk to your doctor before taking it. Talk to your doctor before an emergency occurs. It is not a good idea to take KI if you have certain medical conditions or problems. Babies need to be watched carefully if they take KI
10. How much KI do I take?
The table on the next page shows the smallest KI dose that different age groups can take which will protect the thyroid. KI comes in liquid, 65-mg tablets and 130-mg tablets. Since it is hard to cut many pills, the State Health Commissioner says that, in an emergency, it is safe for children at school or day care centers to take the whole pill. It’s better for children under 12 years old to take the 65-mg pill, but it is safe to take the 130-mg pill if that is the only one you have. For children or babies who cannot take pills, parents and caregivers can cut or crush the pill to make lower doses, or give the liquid form of KI.
Age Group | KI Dosage | Number of ml liquid (65 mg/ml) | Number of 65-mg tablets | Number of 130-mg tablets |
Adults over 18 years | 130 mg | 2 | 2 | 1 |
Over 12 - 18 years and over 150 pounds | 130 mg | 2 | 2 | 1 |
Over 12 - 18 years and less than 150 pounds | 65 mg | 1 | 1 | 1/2 |
Over 3 -12 years | 65 mg | 1 | 1 | 1/2 |
Over 1 month to 3 years | 32 mg | 0.5 | 1/2 | 1/4 |
Birth -1 month | 16 mg | 0.25 | 1/4 | 1/8 |
11. How often should KI be taken?
KI is helpful for about 24 hours. You should keep taking it once a day until the health department says to stop, or you are out of the emergency area.
12. Does KI come in liquid or pill form?
KI can come as a pill or a liquid. Pills are available in 65-mg or 130-mg doses. KI is also available as a liquid.
13. If KI has been stored for a while, is it still OK to use?
The manufacturers say KI stays “fresh” for 5-7 years. If you keep it in a dry, dark and cool place, it should last for many years.
14. Do you need a prescription to get KI?
No. You are allowed to get it over-the-counter.
15. Can KI be purchased at local pharmacies?
Yes, though it may not widely available in drugstores near you. Since it is not a prescription drug, you can buy it over the Internet. As with other drugs, make sure the KI you buy has been approved by the FDA. A supply of KI has been made available to people who live within 10 miles of a nuclear power plant in New York State. If you live within 10 miles of a nuclear power plant and did not receive KI, contact your local Office of Emergency Management.
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