Where can you find potassium iodide?

Potassium iodide tablets are readily available, sold without a prescription, inexpensive, and have a long shelf-life if the tablets are stored in a package designed to prevent exposure to light and moisture. Potassium iodide tablets are the only form of iodine approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a blocking agent. Products that are not approved by the FDA for use as a radioprotective should not be used for that purpose. Similar products marketed as "dietary supplements" should not be used to prevent damage to the thyroid due to radioiodine exposure.

The current FDA-approved tablets include:

• IOSAT® (103-mg tablet)
• THYROSAFE® (65-mg tablet)
• THYRO-BLOCK® (130-mg tablet)

Learn how to obtain potassium iodide where you live.