What is SSKI?
SSKI (saturated) is used to loosen up congestion in the throat and chest. This medicine can help people who have breathing problems, which are complicated by thick mucus. Examples include asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.
SSKI (saturated) is 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 SSKI (saturated).
Side effects of SSKI (saturated)
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives; rash; fever; swollen lymph glands; joint pain; wheezing; difficulty breathing; trouble swallowing; swelling on your face, lips, or tongue
If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using SSKI and contact your doctor immediately.
- Fever, tiredness;
- You may experience swelling of the neck or throat.
- Chest pain and irregular heartbeats
- You may experience numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands and feet.
- Feeling of weakness or heaviness in the legs;
- Bloody or tarry stool, vomiting blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Iodine poisoning can occur from high doses of potassium iodide or prolonged use. If you experience symptoms like a burning sensation in your mouth, throat, or nose, a metallic flavor, tooth or gum discomfort, severe headaches, cold-like symptoms (stuffy nasal passages, sneezing), eye irritation, or a severe skin rash, tell your doctor.
Common side-effects of SSKI 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 on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Do not use it other than as directed. Notify your physician of any other medications or health conditions you are taking, including allergies or medical conditions such as arthritis.
Before you take this drug
If you are allergic to iodide or iodine, then you should avoid using SSKI.
If you are:
- Heart problems and thyroid nodules
- Dermatitis Herpetiformis
- Inflammation of the small vessels (hypocomplementemic vasculitis, or HUV), which causes episodes of hives and itching
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- A thyroid disorder
- Addison's Disease
- Heart disease
- Tuberculosis;
- Bronchitis;
- Kidney disease
- Myotonia congenita (a genetic muscle disorder).
SSKI is only used on children in nuclear radiation emergencies. Never give SSKI to a young child without consulting a doctor. SSKI can cause thyroid issues in both the mother and child when taken during pregnancy. The benefit of using this medication to protect your thyroid against nuclear radiation exposure outweighs the risks of thyroid damage.
After taking SSKI, the thyroid function of any pregnant woman, nursing mother, or infant should be checked. Seek medical assistance immediately. Tell your doctor if a nursing baby has a skin rash or yellowed skin. Also, if they have breathing problems, feeding issues, or a strange crying pattern,
How to take SSKI (saturated)?
Study all instructions or guides included with your medication and follow all directions as instructed. Follow the directions on the label. If SSKI (saturated) upsets your stomach, take it with milk or food. Use the measuring device provided to measure liquid medicines (not a spoon). Before taking the liquid, mix it with water, milk, or fruit juice. SSKI (saturated), when used to thin mucus, is taken three to four times per day. Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions. To get the best result, use this medicine for as long as necessary.
Take thyroid medication as soon as you are instructed to do so by public officials. 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. Risks associated with medication: There may also be increased 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. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using SSKI (saturated). Inform any doctor that treats you about your use of SSKI. Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature. If the liquid gets cold, it may 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 it is almost time for your next dose, don't double up. Never take two doses at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your physician prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverages or activities for you, be sure to follow his/her orders exactly.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including:
- Lithium;
- A diuretic, or "water pill".
- "ACE inhibitor" medications include Benazepril, Captopril, Enalapril, Fosinopril, Lisinopril, Moexipril Perindopril Quinapril Ramipril and Trandolapril (acei);
- Medication to treat overactive thyroid—methimazole, propylthiouracil (PTU), and radioactive iodine.
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, including vitamins, herbal products, prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and prescription and OTC medications, may also affect SSKI. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
