Drug protects thyroid from effects of radiation exposure

Potassium iodide pills in the medicine cabinet could prove beneficial to patients, especially those living downwind of a nuclear power plant.

By Susan J. Landers, AMNews staff. Jan. 21, 2002.

Washington -- With the nation still reeling from the horror of anthrax-tainted mail, another equally monstrous scenario captured the public's mind. In this one, terrorists aim fully fueled jets at nuclear power plants.

The mere thought of such a catastrophe is enough to send many people running, if not to a fallout shelter, at least to their pharmacies for potassium iodide, or KI.

The drug, inexpensive, relatively safe and available without a prescription, has been found to prevent thyroid cancer among those exposed to the radioactive iodine that would likely be released in a nuclear accident.

Just recently the federal government announced that it was stockpiling millions of doses of potassium iodide -- just in case.

As more people become aware of KI they may well turn to their physicians for advice on whether to stock up on the medicine.

Many experts say they should.

"Potassium iodide is a medication of potential use and benefit to the population exposed to a nuclear accident," said Hossein Gharib, MD, president-elect of the American Assn. of Clinical Endocrinologists.

"Potassium iodide is safe, inexpensive and should be available," Dr. Gharib said

"If patients ask, I would say, 'Yes, you should get tablets for those in your home,' " said Lewis Braverman, MD, professor of medicine at Boston University. "I don't see any rationale for not doing it."

Dr. Braverman, speaking for the American Thyroid Assn., said he would suggest obtaining two tablets for each family member. Each pill provides about 24 hours of protection with dosage varying by age and weight of the individual. [...]