随着时间的推移，碘化钾已被证明具有多种治疗应用，是在涉及放射性碘释放的辐射紧急情况下保护甲状腺的选择。在乌克兰和俄罗斯之间持续的军事冲突以及人们对可能部署核武器的日益担忧的背景下，整个欧洲对碘化钾的需求激增。这项工作旨在全面回顾目前有关药理学、生理学、不良反应、降低甲状腺癌风险的保护作用以及放射紧急情况下碘化钾使用建议的知识。由于碘化钾通常具有良好的耐受性，因此有关不良反应的证据很少。在辐射紧急情况下使用碘化钾阻断甲状腺的指南表明，在易受放射性碘暴露的人群中，碘化钾的益处大于不利影响的风险。围绕在辐射紧急情况下使用碘化钾的争议话题包括缺碘地区的预防措施以及脏弹爆炸后是否应该使用颗粒制剂还是片剂以及心理健康问题。尽管需求增长似乎是一项合理的安全措施，但必须认识到碘化钾可以保护甲状腺免受放射性碘的侵害，并且不会影响人体对其他放射性物质的吸收或抵御外部辐射暴露。© 2024 Nordic Association for the BCPT（前北欧药理学会）出版物。约翰·威利出版

Potassium iodide has demonstrated several therapeutic applications over time, being the choice for shielding the thyroid during radiation emergencies involving radioiodine release. Amidst the ongoing military conflict between Ukraine and Russia and the growing concern regarding the potential deployment of nuclear weapons, there has been a surge in the demand for potassium iodide across Europe. This work aimed to comprehensively review the current knowledge regarding the pharmacology, physiology, adverse effects, the protective role in reducing the risk of thyroid cancer and recommendations for potassium iodide use during radiation emergencies. Evidence on adverse effects is scarce, as potassium iodide is generally well-tolerated. Guidelines for thyroid blocking with potassium iodide during radiation emergencies suggest that, among populations vulnerable to radioiodine exposure, the benefits of potassium iodide outweigh the risks of adverse effects. Controversial topics surrounding the utilization of potassium iodide in radiation emergencies include the prophylaxis in iodine-deficient regions and following the detonation of dirty bombs, whether granule formulations versus tablets should be used and mental health concerns. Although the rise in demand seems to be a justified security measure, it is essential to recognize that potassium iodide protects the thyroid from radioiodine and does not impact the body's absorption of other radioactive materials or defend against external radiation exposure.© 2024 Nordic Association for the Publication of BCPT (former Nordic Pharmacological Society). Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.