What is Potassium Iodide?

Potassium iodide is a chemical compound that contains iodine. It can be used to protect the thyroid gland from radiation injury by reducing the amount of radioiodine concentrated by the thyroid after inhalation of radioiodine. The nonradioactive iodine in potassium iodide is readily taken up by the thyroid gland, thereby competing with and effectively blocking its uptake. Potassium iodide does not protect other organs or tissues from external exposure to radiation or from internal exposure to other radioactive isotopes, such as strontium, cesium, or cobalt.