Potassium Iodide & Bladder Infections

Potassium iodide has been known to treat bladder infections, among other ailments.

Potassium iodide (KI) is a salt of stable iodine that our bodies need to make thyroid hormones. KI is stable iodine in medicine form, while most of the stable iodine found in our bodies is derived from the foods we eat. Potassium iodide is often touted as an effective home remedy for several ailments, including the treatment of bladder infections. KI, which is very strong and bitter taken straight, is highly soluble in water. The saturated solution of potassium iodide is known as SSKI and this is the form most often discussed when referring to home health remedies.

Treatment of Bladder Infections

Potassium iodide is known to be effective in eliminating bladder infections. A bladder infection is a bacterial infection that impacts the inside lining tissue of the urinary tract. Dr. Jonathan V. Wright, medical director of the Tahoma Clinic, states that although potassium iodide in saturated form, or SSKI, is close to 100 percent effective in curing bladder infections, he recommends instead using D-mannose. According to Wright, taking 10 to 15 drops of SSKI in water or juice every 3 or 4 hours until the bladder infection is gone is quite a high dose and there can be some hazards to using SSKI. Meanwhile, simple sugar D-mannose, which is similar to glucose, is very safe and can cure more than 90 percent of bladder infections within one to two days.

Allergy

There are several hazards that can be associated with using potassium iodide, including a possible allergy to iodine, which is a nonmetallic chemical element. While not that common, such an allergy usually causes a bumpy and red skin rash that will go away with discontinued use, according to Dr. Jonathan V. Wright. To be safe, if a person suspects they have an iodine allergy it's best not to ingest any without first testing for sensitivity.

Thyroid Suppression

Taking too much iodine for too long has been associated with thyroid suppression in some cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that a person is more likely to have an adverse reaction as it relates to the thyroid gland if they take potassium iodide for several days, take a higher than recommended dose or have a pre-existing thyroid disease. Dr. Jonathan V. Wright states that there's nearly no chance of considerable thyroid suppression if SSKI, or the saturated solution of potassium iodide, is used for less than a week or two.

Staining

While it's not a health hazard, SSKI, can stain when applied to the skin. The faint to moderate orange-brown color will fade once it is no longer applied to the skin. However, if you get it on your clothes the stain could be semi-permanent or permanent.

Where to Obtain Potassium Iodide

Potassium iodide is available without a prescription and can be purchased in some health food stores and compounding pharmacies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends talking with a pharmacist for additional information and directions.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Potassium Iodide
• Tahoma Clinic
• Health Physics Society
• D-Mannose & Bladder Infection