KYIV. UkraineGate . 2. September . 2022 | Ukraine News.
Due to the danger of an accident at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, potassium iodide tablets are in demand among Ukrainians. In the capital’s pharmacies, the journalist was told that they had not seen such popularity of the drug before. Doctors explained why potassium iodide is prescribed for accidents at nuclear facilities .
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“In the event of an accident at the nuclear facilities of a nuclear power station, radioisotope iodine (“bad iodine”) is released, which is very quickly and easily absorbed by the thyroid gland, especially in children, thereby causing its disease. The only drug capable of reducing the effect of radioactive iodine on the thyroid gland is potassium iodide. After taking it, the thyroid gland is blocked, and radioisotopes no longer have a place to accumulate,” says family doctor Olga Sakharchuk.
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Therapist Victoria Yushchenko said that taking iodine can reduce the risk of thyroid cancer. However, such a measure will not help those who are in the vicinity of a nuclear explosion. After all, iodine will not protect against radiation sickness.
At the same time, the drug can be ordered online. But even if you became the happy owner of potassium iodide – in no case do not take it unnecessarily.
Doctor Olga Saharchuk noted that it is necessary to take a prophylactic dose of potassium iodide only after an official notification about the threat of release and the need for iodine prophylaxis. Such notification is carried out by local executive authorities through all available mass media.
“Temporary blockade of the function of the thyroid gland and one-time administration of iodine-containing drugs practically do not affect the health of children and adults. But if you take such drugs for a long time and in the wrong dosage, the risk of a decrease in the function of the thyroid gland increases. Therefore, potassium iodide is taken only once,” Saharchuk stressed.
She added that potassium iodine is not prescribed for people over 40 years of age. Different doses are prescribed for other age categories. Yes, children up to 1 month – 16 mg, from 1 month to 3 years – 32 mg, from 3 to 12 years – 62.5 mg. Adolescents from 13 to 18 years old, as well as adults up to 40 years old, pregnant women and nursing mothers are prescribed a dosage of 125 mg.
“All other iodine-containing drugs, for example, iodine, Lugol’s solution, are not prescribed, because they cannot be absorbed and accumulate in the thyroid gland. And therefore, they will not protect her. Instead, you can get chemical burns of the oral cavity or esophagus. The same applies to “ion nets”. People who have had their thyroid gland removed do not need to take potassium iodide. This also applies to people with autoimmune thyroiditis, thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism,” Saharchuk added.
Source: Ukrgate