Ophthalmologists treat patients with various eye problems. The cause of the development of pathologies can be both infections, inflammatory processes, and injuries. For many diseases, potassium iodide is prescribed. Next, we consider the effect of the drug, the treatment regimen and contraindications.
What is the medicine?
Drops "Potassium iodide" is a drug with antiseptic properties. It is used in the field of ophthalmology for the treatment of many eye pathologies. The tool has an antimicrobial effect and an antisclerotic effect.
The medicine well destroys colonies of pathogenic microorganisms that settle on the outer surface of the eye. They can have a different origin, but always have a negative effect on the conjunctiva, and can penetrate into deeper layers.
Pharmacological effects
After using drops of "Potassium iodide", an increase in the concentration of lipoprotein, a decrease in blood viscosity, which leads to the expansion of blood vessels. The risk of developing atherosclerosis is significantly reduced.
Sometimes doctors prescribe a drug to reduce the symptoms of cataracts, but keep in mind that such therapy can negatively affect visual acuity.
"Potassium iodide" is absorbed into the tissues of the eyeball and is concentrated in them in the maximum amount. The elimination process is slow, so you should not use the medicine more often than recommended by the doctor.
Drug action
Eye drops "Potassium iodide" act in a complex manner, after application, the following processes are observed:
- The process of decay of fats and proteins is accelerated.
- The concentration of lipoprotein in the blood increases.
- The development of atherosclerosis is slowed by reducing blood viscosity.
- The walls of the blood vessels expand.
- The cataract development process is suspended.
- The process of resorption of syphilitic keratitis infiltrates is activated.
- The growth of fungi is suppressed.
During therapy with a solution of "Potassium iodide", it is necessary to stop treatment using iodine-containing drugs.
The composition of the drug
The main active ingredient of the drug is potassium iodide. If the solution is 2%, then the content of the active component in 1 ml is 20 mg. Other auxiliary ingredients are available:
- Chlorhexidine Diacetate.
- Sodium chloride.
- Sodium thiosulfate.
- Sterile water.
Manufacturers produce the drug "Potassium iodide" in bottles of 10 ml.
Indications for use
Ophthalmologists prescribe a drug for the treatment of the following diseases:
- Cataract.
- Fungal lesions of the cornea or conjunctiva.
- Hemorrhages in the membranes of the eyes.
- Opacification of the vitreous body of the eye.
The instruction recommends taking eye drops a solution of "Potassium Iodide" only on the recommendation of a doctor and strictly following the prescribed dosage.
Contraindications to treatment
Therapy using this drug is not allowed for everyone. There are some contraindications that must be taken into account so as not to harm the body and not provoke a lot of negative manifestations. Do not prescribe this drug for yourself without consulting a doctor.
The use of "Potassium iodide" is prohibited if:
- There is nephrosis.
- Tuberculosis.
- Pathology of the kidneys.
- Purulent boils.
- Acne eruptions.
- Benign neoplasms on the thyroid gland.
- Increased goiter.
- Thyroid adenoma of toxic nature.
- Hemorrhagic diathesis.
- Excessive sensitivity to iodine.
If you ignore the existing contraindications, then there is no doubt that side effects will certainly be.
The negative effects of therapy
If you do not follow the instructions for use during the treatment with Potassium Iodide, reviews confirm this, then the following side effects can be expected:
- Increased lacrimation.
- Burning in the eyes.
- Violations of the thyroid gland.
- Edema of the upper eyelid, conjunctiva.
- Redness of the eye.
- The appearance of blackheads on the face, if any, already existed before therapy, then an increase in their number.
- The development of dermatitis.
- Tachycardia.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Digestive upset.
Immediately after use, you can observe a decrease in visual acuity, the appearance of fog in front of the eyes, but these symptoms quickly disappear. If not, then you need to see a doctor.
Instructions for use of the drug
To achieve maximum effect when using drops of "Potassium iodide", the following recommendations must be observed:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before instillation to prevent bacteria from accumulating on the vial.
- The dosage and usage schedule for each patient is selected by the doctor, but usually 1-2 drops are prescribed in each conjunctival sac 2-4 times a day. Preferably at regular intervals.
- If it happened that the next dose was missed, then you must instill the drug as soon as possible, but do not use a double dosage in the next dose.
- The duration of treatment is at least 10 and no more than 15 days, but in each case the decision is made by the attending physician.
If after the completed course the patient did not notice an improvement, then it is necessary to select another drug.
Overdose symptoms
If drops are used in large quantities, an overdose is possible, which is manifested by the following symptoms:
- Swelling of the vocal cords, which leads to a change in voice.
- The mucous membrane of the oral cavity turns brown.
- Lack of urination.
- The appearance of rhinitis.
- The development of bronchitis.
- Gastroenteritis.
- Bleeding from the urinary tract.
If the drug enters the stomach, then there is a high risk of lung collapse. This pathology is fatal without the provision of timely medical care. If the drug enters the stomach, immediately rinse it with a solution of “Thiosulfate” and starch, diluted with water to a pulp state.
The drug for women in position and nursing mothers
"Potassium iodide" for pregnant women (instructions for use mention this) is approved for use only in cases where alternative drugs do not help. Treatment should be carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor in order to immediately notice deviations in the well-being of the future mother and her developing baby.
If any side symptoms appear, the use of drops should be discontinued.
A drug may be prescribed to nursing women, but therapy is necessarily accompanied by constant monitoring by the pediatrician over the condition of the child.
The use of the drug in the treatment of children
"Potassium iodide" for children (instructions for use reports this) is practically not prescribed for the treatment of ophthalmic problems. This is due to the fact that the influence of the active component on the children's body is not fully understood.
Special instructions for the use of drops
Before starting treatment with the use of "Potassium Iodide", it is necessary to undergo an examination and make sure that there are no benign or malignant neoplasms in the thyroid gland.
With great caution, it is necessary to approach treatment if there are serious kidney pathologies. If it is impossible to cancel the drug, it is important to regularly monitor the concentration of potassium in the blood.
If contact lenses are used, they must be removed before dripping drops. You can use them again no earlier than in half an hour.
During instillation of the drug into the eyes, try not to touch the dropper of the eyelids.
Taking the drug in conjunction with other drugs
The components of Potassium Iodide, even at therapeutic doses, can inhibit the effects of other drugs. During a conversation with a doctor, you must tell him if:
- The patient is undergoing treatment for depression with drugs containing lithium salts.
- Therapy is carried out with drugs that inhibit the activity of the thyroid gland.
- Diuretics that hold potassium in the body are used.
If such facts exist, then another drug is selected for therapy.
It should also be considered if drops are used in conjunction with other ophthalmic agents, then the interval between them should be at least 5 minutes.
Analogues of the drug
If it is not suitable after studying the instructions for use of "Potassium iodide", analogues can be selected, but it is better to consult a doctor. The following drugs have a similar therapeutic effect:
- Drops "Taufon". This drug improves metabolic and energy processes, providing a stimulating effect on the tissues of the eye. The state of tissues improves after injuries, as well as in degenerative pathologies and cataracts.
- "Emoxipin." The tool has an antioxidant effect, eliminates hemorrhage, strengthens the choroid of the eyes. After the course application of drops, the protective properties of tissues with respect to free radicals increase.
- Oftan katahrom. It is usually prescribed for cataracts. The tool has an anti-inflammatory, moisturizing effect. It also stimulates the restoration of eye tissue.
- Khrustalin. The drug has a combined effect, therefore, it is indicated not only for cataracts, but also for senile hyperopia. Improves blood circulation in affected tissues, enhances regeneration processes.
- Quinax. Prescribed for cataracts, as it well resolves protein formations in the lens area.
It is not necessary to independently engage in the selection of analogues, only a doctor can choose an effective drug.
Storage conditions
You can store the drug at room temperature, but not in direct sunlight. After the bottle has been opened, it must be used within a month.
Reviews about the drug
Most patients leave positive reviews about the drug. Drops are often used when there is discomfort in the eye, redness. Coursework eliminates unpleasant symptoms. Those who used drops of "Potassium iodide" note that after 10 days of use, improvements are noticeable, redness and inflammation disappear, blood vessels strengthen.
Drops also help with constant overwork of the eyes, and now, given that everyone sits for hours at a computer monitor, which provokes severe overstrain, it is not surprising that many turn to an ophthalmologist with such complaints.
Patients note that the drops do well with increased intraocular pressure, which rises against the background of overwork. After a course of application of the tissue, the eyes are well moisturized, inflammation goes away, itching and discomfort disappear.
Those who used drops on the advice of a doctor note that a good remedy helps to eliminate hemorrhages in the protein coat of the eye. This often happens against the background of eye strain after hours of work at the computer. After several days of use, improvements are noticeable, and at the end of the course of treatment, everything is restored, the unpleasant symptoms go away.
Do not confuse with potassium iodide tablets
This drug contains the same active substance, but differs in auxiliary ingredients. It has the following therapeutic effects:
- Normalizes the thyroid gland.
- Regulates the production of its hormones.
- When taken in large quantities, suppresses the function of the thyroid gland.
- It has a preventive effect against thyroid hyperplasia.
- It has protective properties against radioactive elements.
The drug in tablets is often prescribed in the presence of the following pathologies:
- In order to prevent thyroid disease.
- While taking thyroid hormones.
- With sleep disorders, increased sweating, which is the result of a lack of iodine in the body.
- In the treatment of diffuse goiter of the thyroid gland.
- The tool is used as a prophylaxis of radioactive thyroid lesions.
Sometimes doctors recommend taking the drug for injuries of the respiratory tract, syphilis, dental diseases.
But most often, the drug is indicated to prevent iodine deficiency. It is especially recommended for those who have bad habits, eat poorly, and experience increased physical activity.
But you should not prescribe a medicine without consulting a doctor. Only a doctor can determine if your body needs iodine or not, at what dosage.
Treatment of any pathologies is best started with the appearance of the first symptoms. But drugs should only be purchased by prescription so as not to harm the body.