POTASSIUM IODIDE (KI)
FACT SHEET
What is potassium iodide (KI)?
It is a salt of iodine tablet, which helps prevent the human thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine.
When to take KI?
Your local emergency management officials inform you when to take KI.
How much should my child and I take?
KI comes in a tablet form of 130 mg. A one-time dose at the levels recommended in this fact sheet is usually all that is required. A child from 3 to 18 years of age should take one-half of a 130 mg tablet (65mg). A child from 1 month to 3 years of age should take one-fourth of a 130 mg tablet. An infant from birth to 1 month of age should be given one-eighth of a 130 mg tablet; this tablet should be crushed finely and mixed with water, baby formula or breast milk and given to the baby in a bottle. If you are breastfeeding, you should take the adult dose, and your infant should receive the recommended infant dose. A child who is approaching adult size (> to 150 pounds) should take the adult dose.
Who should not take KI?
If you are diagnosed with a thyroid disease, allergic to iodine (if allergic to shellfish, ask your doctor or pharmacist about taking KI) and/or if you have certain skin disorders.
Why is iodine important to the thyroid?
The thyroid gland takes iodine from the bloodstream and uses it to make thyroid hormones. Without the required amounts of iodine, the thyroid will not be able to make these hormones.
Where can I get more information on KI?
www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/rtkweb/rtkhsfs.htm
The U.S. National Response Team’s Web site is available at http://www.nrt.org
Source of Information
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
If you feel you have been exposed to this agent, call 911 for medical attention right away. Do not drive yourself to the hospital as you may become very ill on your way.