How to Use Potassium Iodide for Radiation Exposure

An explosion or meltdown at a nuclear plant can release radiation into the atmosphere. Radioactive iodine permeates the air, is breathed into the lungs and can contaminate food and water. Potassium Iodide (KI) is available over the counter, without a prescription. When taken, the substance saturates the thyroid gland with nonradioactive iodine. This blocks the radioactive iodine from being absorbed and protects the thyroid from damaging effects of radiation and from cancer that can result from exposure. In a radiation emergency, public health or emergency medical officials or your doctor will advise you when to take potassium iodide.

Things You'll Need

• FDA-approved potassium iodide (KI), tablet or liquid

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Instructions

• 1

  Obtain FDA-approved potassium iodide from your local or online drug store or health food store. It is available in liquid or tablet form in strengths of 130 mg and 65 mg.

• 2

  Go to the FDA website (fda.gov) and consult or double-check with your pharmacist or doctor about the recommended dosage of potassium iodide. According to the FDA, an adult should take 130 mg, children between ages 3 and 18 should take 65 mg, while children who weigh 150 pounds or greater should take the adult dose of 130 mg. Both nursing and non-nursing infants and young children from age 1 month to 3 years should take 32 mg. A dose for a newborn or from birth to age 1 month should be limited to 16 mg. Each ml of the liquid form of potassium iodide is equal to 65 mg (the child dose).

• 3

  Take the correct dose of FDA-approved potassium iodide, but only on the advice of emergency management officials, public health officials or your doctor. It is most effective if administered before exposure.

• 4

  Listen for further instructions from your local emergency management, health officials or doctor. Typically a single dose of potassium iodide is all that is needed, as it protects the thyroid gland for 24 hours. You will be notified if you need to take it for longer. Only take additional doses if specifically directed to do so by emergency officials. Taking a higher dose of potassium iodide or taking it for several days can cause serious side effects. This scenario can happen in specific incidents where people have not been evacuated from an area with high radioactive levels.