Potassium Iodide, as a compound of chemical nature – has been availed for many years for its restorative traits, when used in appropriate quantities. Although it is accompanied by negative or side effects, when regulated measures of doses are consumed – it can prove to be lucrative.
Potassium Iodide solution is classified as non-radioactive iodine which is instrumental in obstructing perilous radioactive iodine from reacting with glands responsible for regulating the thyroid. The thyroid glands are incompetent from differentiating non-radioactive iodine from the more alarming radioactive iodine.
Exposure to radiation can penetrate the anatomy rather hastily and it, in extreme cases, may even lead to cancer of the thyroid gland. Ideally, it should be consumed – either in syrup form or dosage within a period of 4 to 24 hours of radiation has been exposed to an individual. It is even instrumental as an expectorant in the ejection of mucus from the system. Ingestion of Potassium Iodide tablets 130mg in recommended pharmacological doses can be instrumental in the deterioration of secretion of thyroid hormones by regulating thyroglobulin proteolysis.
This, in turn, induces falling levels of concentration in T4 and T3 levels and a simultaneous regulation in the concentration levels of thyrotropin (TSH) levels. Potassium Iodide is imperative in ensuring a healthy metabolism, regulating hormonal levels, and building immunity and thyroid levels. Barring its utility in treating radiation exposure, it is also catalytic in the treatment of sporotrichosis and phycomycosis of the skin.
Furthermore, it is one of the essential sources of a nutritional addendum. When iodide undergoes oxidation, it leads to slow corrosion of iodine from processed salts. When exposed to carbon-di-oxide and oxygen to heightened levels, alkaline iodide salts are transformed to metal carbonate. Thus, it not only dilutes the radioactive iodides impacting the thyroid gland but also fulfil deficiencies of iodine in the body.
However, concomitant with the advantages, there are some side-effects which could affect an individual taking its dosages. Unless taken in moderate quantities, it may lead to inflammation of the salivary glands, erratic allergies, irritation of the gastro-intestine, burning sensation in the mouth, irritation and swollenness of the eye, goitre, sustained levels of increased saliva, memory loss and weight gain on account of non-functioning or discounted functioning of the thyroid gland.
Thus, it is imperative to consume dosages only on the advice of a medical practitioner. Pregnant women and children need to be monitored even judiciously because they are more vulnerable. In further rare cases, Tuberculosis and kidney disease might otherwise be the result. Thus, Potassium Iodide should be very carefully administered.