Potassium Iodide Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 25, 2024.

Applies to potassium iodide: oral solution, oral tablet.

Precautions

Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine does not cause unwanted effects.

For patients on a low-potassium diet:

• This medicine contains potassium. Check with your health care professional before you take this medicine.

Serious side effects of potassium iodide

Along with its needed effects, potassium iodide may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking potassium iodide:

With long-term use

• burning of mouth or throat
• confusion
• headache (severe)
• increased watering of mouth
• irregular heartbeat
• metallic taste
• numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in hands or feet
• soreness of teeth and gums
• sores on skin
• symptoms of head cold
• unusual tiredness
• weakness or heaviness of legs

Other side effects of potassium iodide

Some side effects of potassium iodide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to potassium iodide: compounding powder, oral liquid, oral solution, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most frequently reported adverse reactions have included stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, and salivary gland swelling or tenderness.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions such as skin rashes, swollen salivary glands, headache, bronchospasm and gastrointestinal disturbances can be mild or severe and may be dose dependent.

Endocrine

• Frequency not reported: Hyperthyroidism, iodine induced autoimmunity (Grave's and Hashimoto type), toxic nodular goiter, iodine-induced hypothyroidism, overactive thyroid gland, thyroiditis, enlarged thyroid gland with or without development or myxoedema

Hyperthyroidism, iodine induced autoimmunity (Grave's and Hashimoto type), toxic nodular goitre and iodine-induced hypothyroidism have been reported as side effects of iodine therapy.

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, salivary gland swelling or tenderness

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Skin rash

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Pain or weakness in hands or feet, weakness or heaviness of legs

Other

• Frequency not reported: Unusual tiredness, fever, iodism (chronic iodine poisoning)

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Confusion, numbness, tingling

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Irregular heartbeat

See also:

Further information

Potassium iodide side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer