Potassium Iodide
Potassium iodide is a medication containing iodine that acts as an expectorant to help loosen and clear mucus from respiratory airways. It is commonly used to treat conditions involving excessive or thick mucus production, such as chronic bronchitis and other respiratory conditions.
Potassium iodide is an expectorant medication that helps clear respiratory mucus by loosening and thinning secretions in the airways.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- R05CA03
- RxNorm
- 13308
- Generic
- Potassium Iodide
- Class
- atc-r05
- Brands
- ThyroSafe, Iosat, Lactocal, Vitafol-One, SSKI brand of Potassium Iodide, ThyroShield
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- D
- Lactation
- safe
- Half-life (h)
- 12
- Onset (min)
- 60
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- oral, topical
- Forms
- tablet, capsule, oral solution, topical solution
- Regions
- United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Europe, Asia
- Monitoring
- thyroid function tests
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid
Avoid use during pregnancy unless radiation emergency benefits outweigh fetal risk. Iodine crosses placenta and can cause fetal thyroid suppression.
fetal thyroid function monitoring if used
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid
Avoid use during pregnancy unless radiation emergency benefits outweigh fetal risk.
fetal thyroid function monitoring if used
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid
Avoid use during pregnancy unless radiation emergency benefits outweigh fetal risk.
fetal thyroid monitoring if used
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid if possible
Iodine is excreted in breast milk. Avoid prolonged use while breastfeeding unless radiation emergency requires it.
monitor infant thyroid function if used
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonates infantsweight-based dosing required
Use with extreme caution in newborns and infants. Short-term use only for radiation emergency. Avoid in premature infants.
monitor thyroid function closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsweight-based dosing per FDA guidelines
Approved for short-term use in children for radiation emergencies. Dose based on age and weight. Do not exceed recommended duration.
thyroid function monitoring for extended use
geriatric
elderlystandard dosing with monitoring
Use with caution in elderly patients. Consider renal function and cardiovascular status. May cause potassium retention.
monitor renal function and potassium levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatedose reduction may be needed
Use with caution in renal impairment. Drug is primarily excreted by kidneys. Monitor renal function.
monitor renal function and serum potassium
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeavoid
Avoid in severe renal impairment due to risk of potassium accumulation and hyperkalemia.
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
anyno adjustment needed
No significant hepatic metabolism. Safe for use in patients with hepatic impairment.
standard monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approved for radiation emergency use
FDA approval for potassium iodide tablets for thyroid protection in radiation emergencies
Drug class
World Health Organization ATC classification for potassium iodide
Primary therapeutic uses
Primary clinical indications for potassium iodide products
Common dosage forms
Available pharmaceutical formulations of potassium iodide
Used as an expectorant for respiratory conditions involving excessive or thick mucus, including chronic bronchitis, asthma with mucus plugging, and other conditions where loosening respiratory secretions is beneficial.
Acts as an expectorant by stimulating bronchial secretions and thinning mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear from the airways.
Contraindicated in patients with iodine allergy, hyperthyroidism, and certain skin conditions. May cause thyroid dysfunction with prolonged use. Should not be used during pregnancy without medical supervision. Can cause gastrointestinal upset in some patients.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy