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IOSAT

Generic name: [poe-tah-see-um-eye-oh-dude]potassium iodide

Brand names: iosat, sski (saturated), thyrosafe, thyroshield
Drug classes: antithyroid agents, expirants

What is the IOSAT?

Iosat helps to loosen and thin mucus in the throat and chest. This medicine can be used by people who have breathing problems that are complicated by thick mucus. These include asthma or chronic lung disease.

Iosat can be used in a nuclear radiological emergency to prevent radioactive iodine from entering your thyroid gland. The medicine is taken once or twice for this purpose. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of iosat.

Side effects of IOSAT

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical attention: hives or rash, fever, swollen lymph glands, joint discomfort, wheezing and difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.

Iosat can cause serious side effects. If you experience:

  • Fever, tiredness;
  • The swelling of your neck or throat is called a goiter or an enlarged thyroid.
  • Chest pain and irregular heartbeats
  • You may experience tingling or numbness in your fingers or feet, as well as pain or weakness.
  • A feeling of weakness or heaviness in the legs;
  • Bloody or tarry stool, vomiting blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

Potassium iodide can cause iodine to poison. If you experience symptoms like a burning sensation in your mouth, a metallic flavor, tooth or gum discomfort, excessive drooling, a severe headache, or cold symptoms such as sneezing, stuffy nose or eye irritation, or a severe skin rash, tell your doctor.

Some of the common side effects associated with iosat include:

  • You may experience swelling or tenderness in your lower jaw.
  • Rash;
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, or stomach pain.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice about side effects, reach out to your physician. The fda can be contacted at 1-800-fda-1088 to report side effects.

Similar/related drugs

Benadryl, benzonatate, diphenhydramine, guaifenesin, dextromethorphan, mucinex, and potassium iodide

Warnings

Do not use it other than as directed. Inform your doctor of any additional medications you are taking or of allergies or medical conditions you have.

Before you take this drug

If you are allergic to iodine or iodide, then iosat is not for you.

If you:

  • Heart problems and thyroid nodules
  • Dermatitis herpetiformis
  • Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis is an inflammation of small blood vessels that can cause hives and itching.

Inform your doctor of any of the following conditions:

  • A thyroid disorder
  • Addison's disease
  • Heart disease
  • Tuberculosis;
  • Bronchitis;
  • Kidney disease
  • Myotonia congenita (a genetic muscle disorder).

Iosat should only be administered to children in an emergency situation involving nuclear radiation. Never give iosat without consulting a doctor. When used during pregnancy, iosat can lead to thyroid problems for both the mother and child. The benefit of using this medication to protect your thyroid against nuclear radiation exposure outweighs the risk of thyroid harm.

After taking iosat, any pregnant woman, nursing mother, or infant should have their thyroid function tested. Seek medical assistance as soon as you can. Tell your doctor if a nursing baby has a skin rash or yellowed skin. Also, if they have breathing problems, feeding issues, or unusual crying,

How to take the IOSAT?

Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label. If you have an upset stomach, take it with milk or food. Make sure to use the measuring device provided to measure liquid medications (and not your kitchen spoon!). Before taking the liquid, mix it with water, milk, or fruit juice.

Iosat can be taken up to four times a day for thinning mucus. Dosage instructions from your doctor should be followed very closely. To get the best result, use this medicine for as long as necessary. Take the thyroid medication as soon as you are instructed to by a public official. Wait at least 24 hours before taking a second dose if you have been told to do so. Do not exceed the number of doses prescribed by public officials. This medicine won't work faster or better if you take more. Increased exposure may also increase your risk for side effects.

When giving this medication to a child in a nuclear crisis, follow all instructions. The dose is based on the weight of children and adolescents. It is possible that this medicine could affect the results of medical tests. Inform any doctor that you use iosat. Store products away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature for optimal storage conditions.

If the liquid gets too cold, it can crystallize. Shake the liquid to remove the crystals or let it reach room temperature. If the liquid is brown or yellow, do not use it. For new medicines, call your pharmacist.

What happens if i miss the dose?

If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.

What happens if i overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.

What should be avoided?

If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.

Interaction with other drug

Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:

  • Lithium;
  • A diuretic, or "water pill".
  • An "ace inhibitor" heart or blood pressure medicine—benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, trandolapril; or
  • Medication to treat overactive thyroid—methimazole, propylthiouracil (ptu), and radioactive iodine.

This list is incomplete. Iosat may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all drug interactions.