Role of Potassium Iodide in Treating Hypothyroidism
Used medically at least since the 1820s and enumerated as one of the essential medicines, the chemical compound that is Potassium Iodide has medicinal qualities used to nurse the thyroid gland in our bodies.
It acts as a shield
In extreme cases of thyrotoxicosis, emergencies of nuclear nature, dermatoses which turn inflammatory and in cases of severe Graves hyperthyroidism. In cases of nuclear exposure, via a nuclear cloud or a “plume” per say, radioactive iodine may penetrate either through inhalation or enters the system via ingestion of contaminated items.
Once it penetrates into the internal structure of the human body, it identifies the thyroid gland to be its adversary and stations itself there. This is perilous for the gland responsible to regulate thyroid because of its inability to make out radioactive iodine as opposed to the non-radioactive one. As such, it utilises both categories of iodine to regulate the metabolism of the anatomy by synthesising hormones. Here, Potassium Iodide defends the gland.
One dose of Potassium Iodide
Can prove catalytic in deteriorating the probability of morbid cancers rippled by a grave amount of exposure to radioactive iodine. This is made possible by obstructing the up-flow of radioactive molecules. This is not the only area of assistance. Potassium Iodide tablets in its intake at pharmacological regulated levels brings down thyroglobulin proteolysis, which in turn regulates the secretion of the thyroid hormones.
This leads to low levels of concentrations of T4 and T3 which cause temporary rise in thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations in serum. Furthermore, Potassium Iodide controls synthesis of the thyroid hormone.
What is termed as Wolff-Chaikoff effect, it leads to momentary control of organification in the gland responsible for thyroid which in-turn, brings down thyroid hormone biosynthesis. Pharmacologic doses of iodine can really prove instrumental in improving hypothyroidism by preventing release of the thyroid hormones.
In terms of protection from radiation
Intake of Potassium Iodide hinders the radioactive iodine from causing its insidious effects. It also comes in handy in the myopic regulation of Graves hyperthyroidism – which is prevalent in the US. The dosages should be consumed only after proper guidance from a medical professional – which can vary depending upon whether it is a case of thyrotoxicosis, dermatosis or that of radiation.
High doses of Potassium Iodide are concomitant with adverse impacts. It may cause intolerance of the gastro-intestine, diarrhoea, vomiting, and nausea. In some cases, it may lead to severe headaches, teeth and gums becoming sore, lacrimation, rhinorrhea and sialorrhea. It may even cause use and can also cause lesions in the skin called Ioderma, which is characterized by severe acneiform, vesicular pustular, hemorrhagic, or urticarial lesions.
