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SSKI

potassium iodide
Used for Asthma, COPD
Used for Asthma, COPD

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on December 5, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is SSKI (potassium iodide)?

What is SSKI (potassium iodide) used for?

How SSKI (potassium iodide) works

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.

Are you looking for information on potassium iodide for radiation poisoning instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsSSKI
Drug ClassExpectorant
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$548.95(save 89.72%)
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$56.43
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What are the side effects of SSKI (potassium iodide)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Stomach upset
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Skin rash
  • Swollen or tender salivary glands

Other Side Effects

  • Stomach bleeding
  • Confusion
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Numbness
  • Tingling, pain, or weakness in hands or feet
  • Tiredness
  • Weakness or heaviness in the legs
  • Fever

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Too much iodine: burning in the mouth or throat, severe headache, metallic taste, sore teeth and gums, cold-like symptoms, eye irritation with swollen eyelids, drooling, acne, severe skin rashes
  • Serious allergic reaction: trouble breathing, swelling of the face, bleeding, fever, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

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

Hives

joint pain

swelling of arms, face, legs, lips, tongue, and/or throat

swelling of lymph glands

With long-term use

Burning of mouth or throat

confusion

headache (severe)

increased watering of mouth

irregular heartbeat

metallic taste

numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in hands or feet

soreness of teeth and gums

sores on skin

symptoms of head cold

unusual tiredness

weakness or heaviness of legs

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:

Less common

Diarrhea

nausea or vomiting

stomach pain

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.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of SSKI (potassium iodide)

thumbs-up

Pros

Makes it easier to cough out mucus

Can stop taking once cough symptoms improve

Available as a liquid

thumbs-down

Cons

Need to take 3 to 4 times a day

Unknown if safe to use in children

Commonly causes stomach upset

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for SSKI (potassium iodide)

pharmacist

  • 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.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about SSKI (potassium iodide)

              How do you make SSKI (potassium iodide)?
              To make your dose of SSKI (potassium iodide), measure 0.3 mL (300 mg) or 0.6 mL (600 mg), depending on your prescription. Mix this measured amount into a glass of water, fruit juice, or milk, and drink the entire mixture. Take this medication 3 to 4 times daily, or as directed by your prescriber.
              Why dilute SSKI (potassium iodide) before taking it?
              SSKI (potassium iodide) can irritate your stomach, so diluting it with a beverage can help reduce this effect. If you still have an upset stomach while taking this medication, try taking it with food or milk to ease discomfort.
              Where can I buy SSKI (potassium iodide)?
              SSKI (potassium iodide) is only available with a prescription. Talk to your pulmonologist or healthcare professional (HCP) for a prescription that you can fill at your local pharmacy.
              Does SSKI (potassium iodide) cause nausea?
              Yes, SSKI (potassium iodide) can cause some stomach upset like nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. If taking it with food or milk doesn’t improve these symptoms, talk to your prescriber about other recommendations they can suggest.
              Is Lugol's iodine considered SSKI (potassium iodide)?
              No, Lugol's iodine isn't the same as SSKI (potassium iodide). Lugol's iodine is typically used for managing certain thyroid conditions, whereas SSKI (potassium iodide) is used to treat cough symptoms in people with chronic lung conditions. Lugol's is a solution made of elemental iodine mixed with potassium iodide, while SSKI (potassium iodide) doesn't contain elemental iodine. If you're unsure which product is right for you, speak with your prescriber.
              Is SSKI (potassium iodide) safe in pregnancy?
              SSKI (potassium iodide) can cause harm to an unborn baby, potentially causing thyroid problems, if taken in pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, let your prescriber know.
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              What are the risks and warnings for SSKI (potassium iodide)?

              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.

              risk-warning

              Harm to unborn baby

              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-warning

              Low thyroid hormone

              • 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.

                risk-warning

                Interactions with medications

                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.

                dosage

                SSKI (potassium iodide) dosage forms

                The average cost for 1 dropper of 30ml of 1g/ml of SSKI (potassium iodide) is $456.09 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 16.92% off the average retail price of $548.95.
                dropper
                Dropper
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                30ml of 1g/ml1 dropper$456.09$456.09
                ml of oral solution
                Ml of oral solution
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                1g/ml20 ml$56.43$2.82

                Typical dosing for SSKI (potassium iodide)

                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.

                interactions

                Interactions between SSKI (potassium iodide) and other drugs

                SSKI (potassium iodide) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with SSKI (potassium iodide). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                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.

                • Acenocoumarol
                • Anisindione
                • Dicumarol
                • Phenindione
                • Phenprocoumon
                • Warfarin
                drug-cost

                How much does SSKI (potassium iodide) cost?

                To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                SSKI (brand)
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                contraindications-icon

                SSKI (potassium iodide) contraindications

                Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because SSKI (potassium iodide) will not be safe for you to take.

                • Allergy to iodides

                alternatives

                What are alternatives to SSKI (potassium iodide)?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of SSKI (potassium iodide). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                SSKI (potassium iodide)
                Used for:
                $56.43 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Acetylcysteine
                Used for:
                $40.60 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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                References

                Best studies we found

                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.

                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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