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saturated solution of potassium iodide (SSKI)
Indications:
1) has been used as expectorant, but safer agents are available
2) use preoperatively to reduce thyroid vascularity
3) treatment of thyrotoxic crisis
4) treatment of cutaneous sporotrichosis
Contraindications: pregnancy
Pregnancy category: D
Dosage:
1) expectorant:
a) 300-650 mg after meals 3-4 times/day
b) optimal dose is 1-1.5 g TID
2) thyroidectomy:
- 50-250 mg TID for 10-14 days prior to surgery
3) thyrotoxic crisis:
a) 50-250 mg TID
b) does up to 500 mg every 4 hours have been used
4) cutaneous sporotrichosis:
a) 65-325 mg TID
b) may increase by 150-250 mg/day
c) max 4.5-9 g/day (or toxicity)
50 mg/drop.
Adverse effects:
1) not common (> 10%)
- angioedema, fever, headache, urticaria, acne, goiter with hypothyroidism, metallic taste, GI upset, cutaneous & mucosal hemorrhage, eosinophilia, arthralgia, lymph node enlargement, soreness of teeth & gums, rhinitis
2) other
- thyroid adenoma
- hypersensitivity reactions
- confusion
- nausea
- prolonged use may lead to hypothyroidism
Drug interactions:
1) lithium, anti-thyroid medications: potentiation of anti-thyroid effect
2) potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors: may induce hyperkalemia
Mechanism of action:
1) iodine enhances secretion of respiratory fluids
2) decreases mucus viscosity
3) inhibition of release & synthesis of thyroid hormone
Related
sporotrichosis
thyrotoxicosis
General
potassium iodide (KI, Thyro-Block, Irostat)
thyroid agent
pharmacologic combination
References
- Drug Information & Medication Formulary, Veterans Affairs,
Central California Health Care System, 1st ed., Ravnan et al
eds, 1998
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California Regional Drug
Formulary, 1998