Sodium Iodide / Potassium Iodide
Also known as: SSKI, Iodoject, Pima, Thyrosafe, Iosat
Administering this medication can be challenging due to its extremely unpleasant taste. * **Administration:** When giving orally to dogs or cats, mix the dose with food or a fatty liquid (like whole milk or ice cream) to improve palatability and reduce the chance of nausea and vomiting. * **Toxicity Monitoring:** Watch your pet closely for signs of iodine toxicity (iodism). Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice excessive tearing, runny nose, coughing, severe dandruff, vomiting, or loss of appetite. * **Food Animals:** If treating livestock intended for human consumption, consult your veterinarian regarding appropriate withdrawal times (FARAD guidance recommended). * **Nursing:** Do not use in nursing animals unless directed, as the drug passes into milk. Switch to a milk replacer if the mother requires treatment.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Actinobacillosis
- Actinobacillosis
- Sporotrichosis
- Sporotrichosis
- Actinobacillosis (woody tongue)
- Sporotrichosis
- Sporotrichosis
- Conidiobolomycosis
- Sporotrichosis
- Sporotrichosis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Excessive tearing (epiphora)
- Vomiting and nausea
- Anorexia / inappetence
- Nasal discharge
- Muscle twitching
- Cardiomyopathy
- Scaly haircoats and dandruff
- Hyperthermia
- Decreased milk production
- Decreased weight gain
- Coughing
- Diarrhea
- Goiter (especially in foals from supplemented mares)
- Cardiovascular failure (in severe toxicity)
Cautions & contraindications
- Known iodide hypersensitivity
- Lactating animals (excreted in milk)
- Hyperthyroidism
- Renal failure
- Severe dehydration
- Pregnancy (may cause abortion in cattle)
- **Do NOT inject intramuscularly (IM).** When administering parenterally to horses, give **slowly intravenously** and with extreme caution, as severe generalized reactions have been reported. Cats are highly prone to developing iodism (iodide toxicity). Weigh risks versus benefits carefully, especially in pregnant animals, as anecdotal reports suggest it can cause abortion in cattle (FDA Category D in humans).
Drug interactions
- Antithyroid medications: Iodides may decrease the efficacy of antithyroid medications.
- Thyroid supplements: Iodides may enhance the efficacy of thyroid medications.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sodium Iodide / Potassium Iodide used for in pets?
Administering this medication can be challenging due to its extremely unpleasant taste. * **Administration:** When giving orally to dogs or cats, mix the dose with food or a fatty liquid (like whole milk or ice cream) to improve palatability and reduce the chance of nausea and vomiting. * **Toxicity Monitoring:** Watch your pet closely for signs of iodine toxicity (iodism). Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice excessive tearing, runny nose, coughing, severe dandruff, vomiting, or loss of appetite. * **Food Animals:** If treating livestock intended for human consumption, consult your veterinarian regarding appropriate withdrawal times (FARAD guidance recommended). * **Nursing:** Do not use in nursing animals unless directed, as the drug passes into milk. Switch to a milk replacer if the mother requires treatment.
Is Sodium Iodide / Potassium Iodide safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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