Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Potassium iodide, or potassium salt of hydroiodic acid, is an inorganic chemical compound with the symbol KI. Potassium iodide forms colorless crystals that are easily soluble in water. Potassium iodide is added in a small amount to table salt, serving to iodize it. Iodine supplementation is necessary in areas where there is a deficiency of this element – too little iodine in the body is associated with the risk of many diseases and ailments.
Medical use of potassium iodide
Potassium iodide is one of the ingredients of Lugol’s solution, i.e. a water solution of iodine and potassium iodide mainly given to children to counteract the effects of radioactive contamination. Lugol’s solution inhibits the penetration of radioactive isotopes into the thyroid gland – therefore it is recommended that in countries exposed to radioactive contamination associated with nuclear power plant failures, this preparation should be widely available. Potassium iodide it is also used in the production of iodine – a disinfectant substance used to disinfect wounds and treat water (iodine is a diluted solution of iodine in ethanol with the addition of potassium iodide) – and for the production of ointments. Ointments from potassium iodide They are used in the treatment of blunt injuries, muscle and ligament strain, lymphoedema, inflammation and iodine therapy. They exhibit action anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling. Potassium iodide it is also used as an orally administered expectorant in inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. This compound is also used in the treatment of mild forms of sporotrichosis, i.e. a serious disease caused by infection by a microscopic fungus.
- See also: Eight radioactive substances that we come into contact with almost every day
Extremely important application potassium iodide found in iodine supplementation. This compound is added to table salt in many countries, including Poland, to prevent shortages jodu. Iodine it is necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and the endocrine system. Its deficiency has a negative impact on metabolic processes, muscle work, and especially on the development of the nervous system and the brain in the womb and early childhood. Some foods contain this element, and there is also a lot of it at the seaside (iodine it is also absorbed through the skin and respiratory tract), however, its supplementation is necessary in areas far from the sea. To that end, it is helpful potassium iodide.
Precautions when using potassium iodide and side effects of preparations with potassium iodide
When used potassium iodide orally as an expectorant, it should not be combined with other expectorants.
Drugs whose ingredient is potassium iodide, can induce side effects i side effects.
Preparations from potassium iodide may cause painful swelling of the salivary glands, runny nose, digestive system disorders, vomiting, nausea, skin allergies: rash, itching, eczema, worsening of tuberculosis symptoms.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, iodine supplementation is sometimes necessary, but the use of preparations with potassium iodide please consult your doctor.
Drugs z potassium iodide should be stored in a tightly closed container, out of the reach of children.