Potassium Iodide BP refers to Potassium Iodide that meets the standards outlined in the British Pharmacopoeia (BP). The British Pharmacopoeia is a collection of published standards for the quality of medicines used in the UK. These standards ensure that medicines are of an acceptable quality and can be used safely and effectively.
Potassium iodide (KI) is an inorganic salt composed of potassium and iodine. It has various medical and non-medical uses.
Medical Uses:
- Treatment of Hyperthyroidism: KI can be used to manage overactive thyroid glands, particularly in preparation for thyroid surgery or to treat thyroid storm. It works by temporarily inhibiting the release of thyroid hormones.
- Protection Against Radioactive Iodine: In the event of a nuclear radiation emergency, KI can help protect the thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine. By saturating the thyroid with stable iodine, it prevents the uptake of the harmful radioactive isotopes, thus reducing the risk of thyroid cancer. It's crucial to take KI only when instructed by public health officials during such emergencies. The dosage depends on age and weight.
- Expectorant: KI can act as an expectorant, helping to loosen mucus in the airways for individuals with chronic lung conditions like asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. It works by increasing the secretion of thinner mucus, making it easier to cough up.
- Treatment of Skin Conditions: In some cases, KI is used to treat certain skin conditions like cutaneous sporotrichosis (a fungal infection) and inflammatory dermatoses. The exact mechanism for this is not fully understood but may involve its effect on neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.
- Iodine Deficiency: KI can be used as a dietary supplement for individuals with low dietary intake of iodine. It is also the common additive used for iodizing table salt to prevent iodine deficiency in populations with limited seafood consumption.
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Non-Medical Uses:
- Nutritional Supplement in Animal Feed: KI is added to animal feed to prevent iodine deficiency in livestock.
- Production of Silver Iodide: KI is a precursor in the production of silver iodide (AgI), an important chemical used in film photography.
- Component in Disinfectants and Hair Treatment Chemicals.
- Reagent in Chemical Reactions: In laboratory settings, KI is used as a reagent in redox reactions and as part of starch-iodine tests.
- Fluorescence Quenching Agent: It is used in biomedical research as a fluorescence quenching agent.
