How Potassium Iodide (KI) Works

vector graphic representation of Potassium Iodide (KI) pill and liquid

KI is a pill or liquid that can be used in radiation emergencies that involve radioactive iodine. KI contains non-radioactive iodine. Non-radioactive iodine helps prevent radioactive iodine from being absorbed by the thyroid gland.

How does KI work?

vector graphic showing where KI goes in the body

The thyroid gland cannot tell the difference between non-radioactive and radioactive iodine. It will absorb both kinds.

KI works by keeping radioactive iodine out of the thyroid gland where it can cause damage. When a person takes KI, the thyroid absorbs the non-radioactive iodine in the medicine. Because KI contains so much non-radioactive iodine, the thyroid becomes “full” and cannot absorb any more iodine—either stable or radioactive—for the next 24 hours.

KI does not keep radioactive iodine from entering the body and cannot reverse the health effects caused by radioactive iodine once the thyroid gland is damaged.

vector graphic of a bottle of salt with a no sign over it

Do not use table salt or food as a substitute for KI. Table salt and foods rich in iodine do not contain enough iodine to block radioactive iodine from getting into your thyroid gland. Too much table salt can be harmful.

vector graphic of a bottle of iodine with a no sign over it

Do not use dietary supplements that contain iodine in place of KI. Only use KI products that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Only take KI on the advice of a medical doctor, public health, or emergency management officials. Taking too much KI or taking KI when it is not recommended can have serious health risks.

For more information about KI dosage and side effects visit

https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/emergencies/

View Page In: Print-Only PDF

Page last reviewed: December 16, 2019

Content source: National Center for Environmental Health