All You Need to Know About Potassium Iodide

Know About Potassium Iodide

Potassium Iodide is a non-radioactive salt that prevents radioactive iodine from being taken in the thyroid glands. It is produced by Turkmenistan chemical suppliers and is an essential element in the human body that protects the thyroid gland from getting injured by radiations. The thyroid gland is a sensitive area that is prone to be destroyed by radiation rays. Know About Potassium Iodide

Turkmenistan chemical suppliers recommend that this element, whose chemical formula is KI should be taken only by prescription. This is because it is associated with adverse health risks.

It is important to note that this compound does not prevent radioactive iodine from entering the body. It only protects the thyroid gland, and in case this gland is already damaged, it cannot help in reversing the condition. Otherwise, it will need an urgent thyroid testing.

Again, Potassium Iodide does not shield them from other radioactive compounds, besides the radioactive iodine. If there is no threat of radioactive iodine, taking Potassium Iodide can cause more harm to the body.

It is a fact that common salt and other forms of dietary iodine do not contain sufficient iodine to protect the body against radioactive iodine. This means that common salt cannot be used in scenarios that call for potassium Iodide. This includes food supplements containing iodine. They will not be effective, and the result will be more damaging to the body.

How Potassium Iodide Works?

The thyroid gland is made in a way that it can absorb any form of iodine, be it radioactive or non-radioactive form. The primary function of Potassium Iodide is to prevent radioactive iodine from getting into the thyroid glands. 

When someone consumes Potassium Iodide contained in medicine, the non-reactive iodine is taken into the thyroid gland. Since Potassium Iodide contains more of the non-reactive iodine, the thyroid will fill up with this compound and cannot take up any more for up to 24 hours. Know About Potassium Iodide

Several factors may prevent Potassium Iodide from being effective in protecting the body against radioactive iodine. These include:

• Time after consumption: the sooner someone consumes potassium iodide, the more time it will take for the thyroid gland to fill up with non-reactive iodine
• The absorption rate of iodine, which is highly dependent on the rate at which Potassium Iodide is taken into the blood
• The amount of radioactive iodine one is frequently exposed to

Potassium Iodide Prescription

The thyroid glands of an unborn and a newborn baby stand a higher risk of being injured by radioactive iodine. Know About Potassium Iodide. Toddlers and people with Iodine deficiency are also more susceptible to thyroid injury.

Infants

Infants can quickly get thyroid cancer after exposure to radioactive iodine. This, therefore, means that infants need a recommended dose of potassium Iodide, as follows:

Infants need a single dose of Potassium Iodide. An overdose may lead to developmental impediments.

Some cases will need more than one dose, and for such, medical follow up will be required.

Children

Children who are at risk of getting radioactive Iodine contamination will need to take a recommended dose of Potassium Iodide unless they are allergic to iodine.

Young Adults

People between the age of 18 and 40 who are at risk of getting radioactive Iodine contamination should take the Potassium iodide in prescribed doses. Young adults are not as sensitive to radioactive iodine as children and infants.

Pregnant Women

Iodine is usually absorbed into the placenta, and for this reason, pregnant women are required to take the correct dose of Potassium Iodide to protect the unborn baby. People in this category need just one dose to protect the fetus from any possibility of radioactive iodine contamination.

Breastfeeding Mothers

Breastfeeding mothers should take one dose of Potassium Iodide if they have been exposed to radioactive iodine or if they feel like they are at risk. They should also be given priority with other protective measures. 

Adults

Adults above the age of 40 do not need to take potassium Iodide unless public health officials recommend it. This recommendation can be given if there is suspected contamination of radioactive iodine, in massive doses. This category of people has a very low likelihood of getting thyroid cancer as a result of radioactive iodine contamination. Individuals above 40 years of age also have a higher probability of suffering allergic reactions from Potassium Iodide intake.

How Potassium Iodide is Administered?

Potassium Iodide comes in two forms, as a liquid and as tablets, both of which can be consumed after exposure to radioactive iodine. The tablets are either 130mg or 65mg. They have lines that enable them to be cut in case lower doses are required. For the liquid, every ml contains 65mg of potassium Iodide.

Also Know: Stainless Steel Pipes Maintenance

Taking a higher dose than is recommended does not provide more protection and can be fatal. One dose is functional for up to 24 hours, and in case the radioactive Iodine exposure extends beyond 24 hours, public health officials may recommend another dose.