Thyroid radiation protection in nuclear emergencies

Use of high-dose potassium iodide (130 mg single dose for adults) when radioactive iodine-131 enters the environment. Saturating the thyroid with stable iodine blocks radioactive iodine uptake. WHO 2017 provides a clear protocol on doses and timing. Justified only on official authorities' direction during a nuclear emergency – not for routine prophylaxis.

ICD-10 Z29.81 drug

Also known as: Iodine thyroid blocking

Drugs used for this condition

APotassium iodideFirst line · Iodine therapy for thyroid functionPotassium iodide at high dose (130 mg adult, 65 mg children 3–18 years, 32 mg children 1 month – 3 years) as a single dose or repeated courses when radioactive iodine-131 enters the environment is the only specific intervention for thyroid protection. WHO 2017 gives a clear protocol on doses and timing. Justified only on official authorities' direction during a nuclear emergency. Self-administered “prophylactic” use without an emergency is useless and dangerous.

How to read tiers A–F

Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.

AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
BRecommended in selected cases
CStudy data contradict each other
DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit