POTASSIUM IODATE 85mg TABLETS
Please read this leaflet carefully before you take these tablets. It briefly outlines the most important things you need to know. If you want to know more about this medicine, or you are not sure about anything, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
The name of your medicine is Potassium Iodate.
WHAT ARE POTASSIUM IODATE 85mg TABLETS?
Each tablet contains 85 mg of the active ingredient Potassium Iodate which is equivalent to 50 mg of iodine.
The other ingredients are calcium hydrogen phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, microcrystalline cellulose and magnesium stearate.
The product is available in pack sizes of 6, 10 and 100 tablets.
See outer packaging or the pharmacy label for contents i.e. the number of tablets.
Potassium Iodate is a thyroid blocking agent for use after a nuclear accident.
The Marketing Authorisation Holder is
Tyne & Wear
Company responsible for manufacture is
What Is Potassium Iodate Used For?
Potassium Iodate tablets are used at the time of a nuclear emergency; the tablets stop the thyroid gland (situated in your neck) taking up radioactive iodine, which may be released into the environment following a nuclear accident. Radioactive iodine is harmful and especially dangerous to babies and children. Potassium Iodate is useful when this radioactive iodide is breathed in. Ask your doctor, pharmacist or emergency co-ordinator if you need additional information especially concerning the correct use of this product.
BEFORE YOU TAKE POTASSIUM IODATE 85mg TABLETS
Are you sensitive to any of the ingredients in the medicine, listed above?
Are you sensitive to iodine?
Do you suffer from dermatitis herpetiformis (a skin disease)?
Do you suffer from hypocomplementaemic vasculitis (a disease causing inflammation of the blood vessels)
Have you ever been treated for thyrotoxicosis (a condition resulting from an overactive thyroid gland)?
Do you have problems with your kidneys?
Do you have, or are you being treated for problems with your adrenal glands?
Are you suffering from dehydration or cramp due to extreme heat?
Are you taking quinidine, captopril or enalapril?
Are you currently taking a diuretic ("water tablets") such as amiloride or triamterene?
If the answer to any of these questions is YES, do not take Potassium Iodate before talking to a doctor or pharmacist.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, low doses, over a short period of time can be taken. You should continue to breast feed if you are taking this medicine.
Keep in mind that if you are allergic to any Iodine product, then you will also be allergic to Radioactive Iodine. This therefore means you have an additional risk that should be discussed with your doctor.
TAKING POTASSIUM IODATE 85mg TABLETS
This medicine should be taken after a nuclear accident. Emergency co-ordinators will advise you on the correct actions to take.
The tablets should be taken as a single dose as soon as you are advised to do so, delay may result in reduced effectiveness.
The usual recommended dose is as follows:
- Adults (including the elderly):
- 2 tablets
- 100 mg iodine equivalent
- Children aged 3 – 12 years:
- 1 tablet
- 50 mg iodine equivalent
- Children aged 1 month – 3 years:
- half a tablet
- 25 mg iodine equivalent
- Newborn Babies aged up to 1 month:
- a quarter of a tablet
- (or 12.5 mg iodine equivalent as standard solution)
For babies the dose may be crushed and taken mixed with milk or juice. For children the dose may be crushed and taken mixed with e.g. jam, honey or yoghurt.
For newborn babies living at home, a dosage of quarter of a tablet is acceptable. This can be crushed and mixed with milk or water. For newborn babies still in hospital, an exact dosage of 12.5mg iodine equivalent can be given as a standard solution freshly prepared from Potassium Iodide crystals (kept in maternity wards).
In cases of prolonged exposure, repeat dosing may be necessary although if you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should normally not take more than two doses. You must also get medical advice since Potassium Iodate may affect the thyroid of your child and tests from your doctor can establish and correct this. Babies up to a month old should only receive one dose and should have their thyroid function assessed by their doctor.
If you (or someone else) swallows a lot of the tablets all together, or if you think a child has accidentally swallowed any of the tablets, contact your nearest hospital casualty department or a doctor immediately.
AFTER TAKING POTASSIUM IODATE 85mg TABLETS
After taking Potassium Iodate babies under the age of 3 months should be taken to see their doctor as soon as possible so the function of their thyroid can be closely monitored. In addition, women in the last 3 months of their pregnancy should inform their doctor and other healthcare professionals that they have taken Potassium Iodate, as a blood sample from the umbilical cord should be taken to measure the baby's thyroid function.
Potassium Iodate is taken by the majority of patients without any problems. However, like many other medicines, it may occasionally cause side-effects in some people. These may include:
An overactive thyroid gland (characterised by weight loss, increased appetite, intolerance to heat and increased sweating).
An enlarged thyroid gland with or without the development of myxoedema (a condition in which there is a thickening of the skin and body tissues, most notably the face).
Occasionally hypersensitive reactions such as a rash, swollen salivary glands, headache, wheezing or coughing, and stomach upsets may occur.
If you have these or any other effects, whilst taking Potassium Iodate tell a doctor immediately. In the event of a nuclear emergency, there are other protective actions you can take against radiation damage. Emergency assistance should be sought in order to avoid further dangerous contamination.
Continued use may lead to depression, nervousness, insomnia or impotence.
STORING POTASSIUM IODATE 85mg TABLETS
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date shown on the outside packaging. These tablets should be stored in a dry place below 25°C in the package or container supplied. Do not transfer them to another container. Keep them in a secure place where children cannot get at them.
Revised: November 2004
Distributed by:
Tyne & Wear
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