Pima

1 What is Pima?

Brand: Pima, SSKI, ThyroShield

Generic: Potassium Iodide

Pima is an inorganic compound used for the treatment of an overactive thyroid and for the protection of the thyroid gland from the effects of radiation from inhaled or swallowed radioactive iodine.

This drug may be used before and after administration of drug containing radioactive iodine or after accidental exposure to radioactive iodine. This drug may be taken as an oral solution, syrup, uncoated tablet, or enteric-coated delayed-release tablet.

Serious side effects have been associated with the use of delayed-release tablet form, making its use generally not recommended. Some brands of the oral solution are available without a prescription.

2 What to Know Before Using

Before using Pima, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

This drug may cause skin rash and thyroid problems in infants. It is still unknown whether this drug works exactly the same way in younger adults. This drug is not anticipated to cause different side effects or problems in older people than in younger adults. Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding.

Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding. Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:

  • Acenocoumarol
  • Anisindione
  • Dicumarol
  • Phenindione
  • Phenprocoumon
  • Warfarin

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as:

3 Proper Usage

To use Pima properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Take this drug after meals or with food or milk if this drug upsets your stomach. Check with your healthcare professional if your upset stomach persists.

This drug must only be taken when directed to do so by state or local public health authorities. This drug must be taken once daily until the risk of significant exposure to radiation no longer exists.

To prevent any side effects, take this drug exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your healthcare professional. This drug is to be taken by mouth even if it comes in a dropper bottle. If the solution turns brownish yellow, do not take it.

This drug must be taken with full glass of water or in fruit juice, milk, or broth to improve the taste and lessen stomach upset. If crystals form in potassium iodide solution, they may be dissolved by warming the closed container of solution in warm water and then gently shaking the container.

Each tablet must be dissolved in a ВЅ glass of water or milk. Be sure to drink all of the liquid to get the full dose of the drug. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed.

The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug. Adults and teenagers with hyperthyroidism are given 250 milligrams three times a day. Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional.

To protect the thyroid gland against radiation exposure in adults or teenagers approaching adult weight, 130 mg is given once a day, until significant risk of exposure to radioiodines no longer exists.

Children through 1 month of age are given 16 mg once a day until significant risk of exposure to radioiodines no longer exists. Children over 1 month through 3 years of age are given 32 mg once a day until significant risk of exposure to radioiodines no longer exists.

Children and teenagers over 3 years through 18 years of age are given 65 mg once a day until significant risk of exposure to radioiodines no longer exists.

To protect the thyroid gland against radiation exposure in adults or teenagers approaching adult weight, 130 mg is given once a day, until significant risk of exposure to radioiodines no longer exists.

Children through 1 month of age are given 16 mg once a day until significant risk of exposure to radioiodines no longer exists. Children over 1 month through 3 years of age are given 32 mg once a day until significant risk of exposure to radioiodines no longer exists.

Children and teenagers over 3 years through 18 years of age are given 65 mg once a day until significant risk of exposure to radioiodines no longer exists. A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible.

However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose. Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

4 Precautions to Take

Before using Pima, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug.

Unwanted effects can be screen using blood tests. Consult with your healthcare professional before you take any other prescription or nonprescription drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

5 Potential Side Effects

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Pima. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear.

Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Top