Astravo AE and potassium iodide: what you need to know

According to the order of the Minister of Health, potassium iodide must be distributed to the inhabitants of 16 municipalities.

These are the municipalities of Švenčionys and the Vilnius district located in the zone of urgent protection actions (30 km) and the city of Vilnius, Varėna, Šalčininkai, Trakai, Elektrėnai, Kaišiadorys, Širvintos, Ukmergė, Molėtai, Anykščiai, Utenai the extended distance (100 km). Municipalities of Zarasai and Visaginas.

In most municipalities, the elderly distribute potassium iodide tablets to the population. For example, the Vilnius district municipality announces that people who have not received potassium iodide preparations so far can order and withdraw their preparations in the elderly.

“Request more information on old age by place of residence,” the municipality said in a statement.

The Vilnius City Municipality decided to distribute potassium iodide in pharmacies. Residents who have declared their place of residence in the city can withdraw it by presenting an identity document at the Camelia, Eurovaistinė, Amber Pharmacy, Norfos vaistinė and Benu vaistinė branches.

Although electronic prescriptions for potassium iodide were issued to Vilnius residents until November 17, they are planned to be extended so that residents can withdraw preparations later.

When to use

As you know, these pills are distributed to the population as a preventive measure due to the commissioning of the Astrava nuclear power plant (CN) in Belarus. They are designed to protect the thyroid gland from the harmful effects of radioactive iodine, reducing the risk of developing thyroid cancer.

The ministerial order explains that it is recommended that potassium iodide tablets be taken less than 24 hours in advance. to possible inhalation or ingestion of radioactive iodine. And only when the official authorities report it.

“Blocking the thyroid with potassium iodide is still effective 2 hours after inhaling or ingesting radioactive iodine, but no later than 8 hours. It can be harmful to use potassium iodide tablets at times other than indicated, ”the document says.

Each tablet contains 65 milligrams of potassium iodide.

The following single daily doses are indicated for different age groups: newborns up to 1 month of age. – 16 mg (a quarter of tablets) for infants from 1 month of age. up to 3 years – 32 mg (half a tablet), children from 3 to 12 years – 65 mg (one tablet), children from 12 years and adults – 130 mg (two tablets).

“A single daily dose of potassium iodide tablets protects the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine for 24 hours,” the document says.

It is advisable to take potassium iodide tablets after meals. The tablets can be dissolved in water or liquid baby food. Reconstituted tablets should be used immediately due to the rapid disintegration of the active substance.

Side effects of potassium iodide tablets are rare, as described in the package insert that comes with potassium iodide tablets.

Solutions are not suitable

The Ministerial Order also emphasizes that the use of alcoholic or aqueous iodine solutions, iodine sprays, iodine supplements sold in pharmacies during the protection of the thyroid gland in the event of a nuclear or radiological accident would not protect the thyroid gland from the effects Harmful radioactive iodine due to its low stable iodine content.

“The alcohol iodine solution is for external use only: it is applied to the skin. Its active ingredient is not potassium iodide, but simply iodine, which is a highly oxidizable and toxic substance that can cause burns and poisoning of the chemical fabrics, so it should not be taken under any circumstances, not even diluted with water ”, indicates the order.

Another floating myth concerns the supposed positive effects of iodine-containing food supplements when taken immediately after a nuclear disaster.

Experts emphasize that the iodine content of such food supplements is very low, it is not clear in the form of compounds in food iodine, therefore the effect of iodine in these supplements, the distribution in the body is not clear and the effect of blocking the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine absorption during a nuclear accident. Therefore, its use to protect the thyroid gland during a nuclear disaster is also not possible.

In an emergency, it is recommended to close the room and wait for reports from state authorities on what actions and measures to take to reduce the risk. At this stage, the population would also be informed about the need to take potassium iodide tablets.