SSKI (potassium iodide) is a prescription medication used as an expectorant to help clear mucus from your airways. It's approved for adults with chronic lung conditions (e.g., asthma, bronchitis, emphysema) where thick mucus is a problem. It’s a liquid solution that you mix with water, fruit juice, or milk, and take 3 to 4 times daily. The most common side effects include stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Chronic lung conditions (e.g., asthma, bronchitis, emphysema) where thick mucus is a problem
SSKI (potassium iodide) is an antithyroid medication. It works by helping the lungs make more fluid, which thins the mucus in your airways. This makes it easier to cough up the mucus and clear your congestion.
Source: DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
joint pain
swelling of arms, face, legs, lips, tongue, and/or throat
swelling of lymph glands
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Makes it easier to cough out mucus
Can stop taking once cough symptoms improve
Available as a liquid
Need to take 3 to 4 times a day
Unknown if safe to use in children
Commonly causes stomach upset
Mix your dose of SSKI (potassium iodide) in water, fruit juice, or milk. Taking it with food or milk might help reduce stomach upset.
Carefully measure each dose of SSKI (potassium iodide) using the measuring device provided with the medication or one from your pharmacist, as kitchen spoons might not be accurate.
Don't take SSKI (potassium iodide) for longer than prescribed. Generally, you can stop using it once your cough symptoms have improved.
Store SSKI (potassium iodide) in a dry place at room temperature, away from light. If it gets too cold, crystals might form in the liquid. To fix this, shake the bottle and warm it until the crystals dissolve.
If the SSKI (potassium iodide) solution turns brownish-yellow in color, throw it away and ask your pharmacist for a new bottle.
If you accidentally take too much SSKI (potassium iodide), you might feel sick right away or within a few hours. If you notice swelling, throat tightening, and bleeding, stop taking the medication and call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
SSKI (potassium iodide) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
If you're pregnant or become pregnant while taking SSKI (potassium iodide), tell your prescriber right away. This medication can cause thyroid problems in your unborn baby. Your prescriber will discuss with you the benefits and the risks of taking SSKI (potassium iodide) during pregnancy.
Risk factors: Taking SSKI (potassium iodide) for a long period of time
Some people who take SSKI (potassium iodide) for a long time can develop low thyroid hormone, also known as hypothyroidism. Only take this medication as prescribed by your healthcare professional. SSKI (potassium iodide) is typically taken for a short time and stopped once your symptoms improve.
SSKI (potassium iodide) can interact with many medications. For example, taking this medication with lithium or other antithyroid medications can raise the risk of thyroid problems. Also, certain diuretics and blood pressure medications can lead to high potassium levels and serious heart problems. Let your prescriber know all of the medications and supplements you are taking to make sure they are safe.
The typical dose is to mix 0.3 ml (300 mg) or 0.6 ml (600 mg) of SSKI (potassium iodide) with a glass of water, fruit juice, or milk. Then drink this mixture by mouth 3 to 4 times a day.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Allergy to iodides
Chronic lung conditions (e.g., asthma, bronchitis, emphysema) where thick mucus is a problem
Mucus buildup caused by lung problems like emphysema, infection, or cystic fibrosis
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Avondale Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2024). SSKI- potassium iodide solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
Calissendorff, J., et al. (2017). Lugol's solution and other iodide preparations: perspectives and research directions in Graves' disease. Endocrine.
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (U.S.). Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion. (2018). Spoons are for soup / Milliliters (mL) are for medicine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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