FDA Issues New Potassium Iodide Dosage Guidelines

ROCKVILLE, Maryland—The FDA has issued new recommendations for administering potassium iodide to reduce the risk of thyroid cancer in children and adults in emergencies involving the release of radioactive iodine into the environment.

The new FDA guideline recommends a standard daily dose of 16 mg of potassium iodide for infants less than 1 month old; 32 mg for children 1 month to 3 years; 65 mg for those between ages 3 and 18 years; and 130 mg for adults, including pregnant and lactating women, and adolescents who weigh more than 150 pounds.

FDA adds that, as a general rule, daily dosing should continue until the risk of exposure has passed and/or until other protective measures are successfully in place.