In the autumn of last year, the distribution of potassium iodide to Vilnius residents has not yet been received by some of the capital's residents. "Eurovaistinė" continues free distribution to persons registered in the capital. In this chain of pharmacies, potassium iodide was taken by the largest number of residents - 93 percent. Free potassium iodide can be collected until April 5.
Eurovaistinė's communications manager Laura Bielskė says that customers usually came to pick up potassium iodide in the fall, when it was first distributed. Interest in this non-prescription drug is increasing after new information about the Astrav nuclear power plant appears in the media.
"We feel that a significant number of Vilnius residents have already taken care of potassium iodide, now we feel interest from customers who live outside of Vilnius and simply purchase it themselves. Clients of "Eurovaistinė" who study and work in Vilnius, but are not registered here, behave in the same way. The potassium iodide for sale is valid until 2026", notes the company's communications manager L. Bielskė.
Pharmacies dispense a two-day dose of potassium iodide, which is 4 tablets. For adults and children from 12 years of age, two tablets are taken together, swallowing them immediately. One tablet is used for children 3-12 years old, and half a tablet for children under 3 years old.
In the event of a nuclear disaster, potassium iodide should be consumed within hours of notification, so it is important to have it on hand. According to pharmacist Jovita Juodsnukytė, if you currently have the opportunity to work from home and spend most of your time there, then keep it here, but if you often go to work or spend weekends at home, it is better to have them with you.
The best potassium iodide tablets keep in a separate compartment in the pantry where you won't crush them. However, if you are going somewhere hot or humid, it is better not to take the tablets together.
Potassium iodide is most effective when taken within 2-8 hours after radioactive iodine is released into the environment.
It is not recommended to take potassium iodide with other medicines, so you should wait at least 15-20 minutes, its side effects are the same as most medicines, it may cause pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea in some people, but these are very rare cases.
