Potassium iodide in dermatology: A 19th century drug for the 21st century—uses, pharmacology, adverse effects, and contraindications

Potassium iodide (KI) is a useful drug in the dermatologic armamentarium. It is successfully used for inflammatory dermatoses, most notably erythema nodosum, subacute nodular migratory panniculitis, nodular vasculitis, erythema multiforme, and Sweet's syndrome. KI is also successfully used for...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2000-10, Vol.43 (4), p.691-697
Main Authors: Sterling, J.Barton, Heymann, Warren R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Humans
Medical sciences
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
Potassium Iodide - pharmacology
Potassium Iodide - therapeutic use
Skin Diseases - drug therapy
Skin, nail, hair, dermoskeleton
Thyroid Gland - drug effects
Thyroid Gland - metabolism
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Summary:Potassium iodide (KI) is a useful drug in the dermatologic armamentarium. It is successfully used for inflammatory dermatoses, most notably erythema nodosum, subacute nodular migratory panniculitis, nodular vasculitis, erythema multiforme, and Sweet's syndrome. KI is also successfully used for cutaneous and lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis. The precise mechanism by which KI acts is unknown. Although many minor side effects are common with this drug, major side effects can occur in pregnant patients and those with a history of kidney or thyroid disease. This article reviews the pharmacology, mechanism of action, indications, contraindications, and adverse effects of KI as a therapeutic agent. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;43:691-7.)
ISSN:0190-9622
1097-6787
DOI:10.1067/mjd.2000.107247