How does KI work?

The thyroid gland cannot tell the difference between stable and radioactive iodine and will absorb both. KI works by blocking radioactive iodine from entering the thyroid. When a person take KI, the stable iodine in the medicine gets absorbed by the thyroid. Because KI contains so much stable iodine, the thyroid gland becomes "full" and cannot absorb any more iodine - either stable or radioactive - for the next 24 hours.

Iodized table salt also contains iodine; iodized table salt contains enough iodine to keep most people healthy under normal conditions. However, table salt does not contain enough iodine to block radioactive iodine from getting into your thyroid gland. You should not use table salt as a substitute for KI.

Show All Answers

1. What is Potassium Iodide (KI)?
2. What does KI do?
3. How does KI work?
4. How well does KI work?
5. Who should take KI?
6. When should I take KI?
7. How much KI should I take?
8. How often should I take KI?
9. What are the possible risks and side effects of KI?
10. Where can I get KI?