The following instruction sheet came with a bottle of Potassium Iodate pills that I purchased to have on hand in the event of any nuclear war or nuclear plant accident. I found and bought mine here:
http://www.joelskousen.com/ja/index.html
These general guidelines are for those of you who are unfamiliar with potassium iodate or who may have lost or not received instructions with your thyroid blocker purchases. Always read the specific instructions on any bottle or different brand that you may purchase on your own. But I think these general guidelines are a good introduction to learning the basic “do’s” and “don’ts” regarding taking potassium iodate.
BEFORE TAKING POTASSIUM IODATE TABLETS
85 mg/200 tablets
Each tablet contains 85 mg of the active ingredient Potassium Iodate, a thyroid-blocking agent. Store in a dry, cool, secure place where children cannot reach them.
WHAT IS POTASSIUM IODATE USED FOR?
Potassium iodate tablets are used ONLY at the time of a nuclear emergency; the tablets stop the thyroid gland from taking up Radioactive Iodine (I-131), which is released into the environment following a nuclear accident. I-131 is radioactive and can kill you—especially children.
BEFORE YOU TAKE POTASSIUM IODATE (OR ANY THYROID BLOCKER)
Are you sensitive to iodine?
Do you suffer from dermatitis herpetiformis (a skin disease)?
Do you suffer from hypocomplementaemic vasculitis (an inflammation of blood vessels)?
Have you ever been treated for thyrotoxicosis (a condition resulting from an overactive thyroid gland)?
Do you have problems with your kidneys?
Do you have, or are you being treated for problems with your adrenal glands?
Are you suffering from dehydration or cramp due to extreme heat?
Are you taking quinidine, captopril or enalopril?
Are you currently taking a diuretic (“water tablets”)?
IF YOU ANSWERED “YES” TO ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS, TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING ANY THYROID BLOCKER—KI (POTASSIUM IODIDE) OR KI03 (POTASSIUM IODATE).
TAKING POTASSIUM IODATE
The tablets should be taken as a single daily dose within 3 hours of exposure, or up to 10 hours after exposure, although this is less effective. Authorities will tell you if there is a need to take KI03.
The usual recommended “daily dose” is as follows:
Adults (including the elderly) – 2 tablets
Children aged 3-12 years – 1 tablet
Children aged 1 month-3 years – ½ tablet
Newborns to 1 month – ¼ tablet
For young children or newborn children, the ½ or ¼ tablet may be crushed and taken mixed with milk or water. Under emergency conditions ½ tablet may be given to newborns as a starting dose.
In Cases Of Prolonged Exposure, Repeat Dosing May Be Necessary:
1-2 days for a “small” reactor leak
10 to 14 days for a “minor” event
Longer for a catastrophic event
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, you should normally not take more than two doses for a minor “reactor leak.” Babies up to a month old should only receive one dose for a minor “reactor leak.” However, this should be determined by authorities.
If you swallow a lot of tablets all together, or if you think a child has accidentally swallowed any of the tablets, contact your nearest hospital emergency room or doctor immediately.
AFTER TAKING POTASSIUM IODATE
Potassium Iodate can be taken by the majority of people, without any problems. However, like medicines or even supplements, it may occasionally cause side effects in some people. These may include:
An overactive thyroid gland (characterized by weight loss, increased appetite, intolerance to heat and increased sweating);
An enlarged thyroid gland with or without the development of a condition in which there is thickening of the skin and body tissues, most notably in the face;
Although rarely, hypersensitivity reactions such as rash, swollen salivary glands, headache, wheezing or coughing, and stomach upsets may occur. If you have these or any other effects, while taking Potassium Iodate or Potassium Iodide, tell a doctor immediately.
Keep in mind that if you are allergic to any Iodine product, then you will also be allergic to Radioactive Iodine. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Potassium Iodate is considered better than Potassium Iodide for two reasons. 1) It doesn’t taste as bitter as Potassium Iodide. During the Chernobyl incident, many people, especially children, had trouble taking Potassium Iodide due to the bitter taste and after taste. Potassium Iodate greatly reduces this problem; and 2) Because of the extra molecule of oxygen added in Potassium Iodate, the shelf life can be extended to decades if kept sealed and stored in a dry place.
About 1 person in 2 million is allergic to Potassium Iodate.