Short answer. In the Czech Republic, potassium iodide tablets are distributed in advance to residents of the emergency planning zones around the Dukovany and Temelín nuclear power plants, and replaced before they expire 1. Take them only when radio or TV tells you to 1. Registered 65 mg tablets are classified by the medicines agency SÚKL as non-prescription medicines 2.
Who receives iodine tablets?
Households in the emergency planning zones around the two Czech nuclear power plants, Dukovany and Temelín 1. The tablets are pre-distributed to these households and replaced before their expiry date 1.
The Dukovany emergency planning zone is divided into three bands with radii of 5 km, 10 km and 20 km around the plant, and into 16 sectors 1. Temelín has its own zone and handbook 1. Residents of both zones receive a handbook from the plant operator ČEZ, approved by the nuclear regulator SÚJB 1.
When should I take the tablets?
Only when told to through the mass media. The Dukovany handbook says: "Tablety jodidu draselného požijte až po výzvě v hromadných sdělovacích prostředcích v předepsaném dávkování" (take the potassium iodide tablets only after a call in the mass media, at the prescribed dose) 1.
If you have no tablets where you are, do not go outside to get them: sheltering matters more 1. See our guide potassium iodide: when to take it.
What is the dose?
Follow the package leaflet. The Dukovany handbook gives these doses for 65 mg tablets 1:
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| Newborns up to 1 month | 1/4 tablet (16 mg) |
| Infants and children up to 3 years | 1/2 tablet (32 mg) |
| Children 3-12 years | 1 tablet (65 mg) |
| Persons over 12 years | 2 tablets (130 mg) |
A further dose may be ordered within 24-48 hours 1. Newborns (under 1 month) receive no further doses, and pregnant and breastfeeding women receive at most 2 doses 1. Per the leaflet, intake is usually not recommended over age 40 1.
Can I buy iodine tablets in a Czech pharmacy?
The SÚKL medicines database lists two 65 mg products with dispensing code F, meaning not subject to medical prescription (volně prodejné léčivé přípravky) 2:
Availability may be limited. In June 2025, SÚKL asked distributors to report their stocks because of a suspected availability problem 3. Ask your pharmacist, and read the leaflet before use.
What else should I do in a nuclear emergency?
Shelter first, listen to radio or TV, and follow official instructions 1. The evacuation bag listed in the Dukovany handbook is on our Czech kit checklist. Background: the 7-10 rule for fallout and radiation decontamination.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a prescription for potassium iodide in the Czech Republic?
No. The two registered 65 mg products carry dispensing code F, not subject to prescription 2. Pharmacy stock may be limited 3.
I live outside the Dukovany and Temelín zones. Will I get tablets?
Pre-distribution covers the emergency planning zones around the two plants 1. The sources we consulted describe no distribution outside them.
Can I take iodine as a precaution?
No. Take it only after an official call in the media, at the prescribed dose 1.
How much iodine does an adult take?
Two 65 mg tablets (130 mg) for persons over 12 years, according to the Dukovany handbook; intake is usually not recommended over age 40 1.
Sources
- SÚJB / ČEZ, a. s. — Základní informace pro případ radiační havárie — Jódová profylaxe (JE Dukovany 2026/2027) — https://sujb.gov.cz/fileadmin/sujb/docs/kkc/Prirucky_JE/Prirucka_EDU_2026_2027_na_web.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Státní ústav pro kontrolu léčiv (SÚKL) — Databáze léčivých přípravků — JODID DRASELNÝ SERB 65MG (kód 0264038) a JODID DRASELNÝ G.L. PHARMA 65MG (kód 0183719) — https://prehledy.sukl.cz/dlp/v1/lecive-pripravky/0264038 (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Státní ústav pro kontrolu léčiv (SÚKL) — Výzva k předložení údajů při podezření na ohrožení dostupnosti léčivých přípravků — jodid draselný (10. 6. 2025) — https://sukl.gov.cz/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Vyzva-DIS-jodid-draselny-10.6.2025.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
Your plan for Czech Republic, worked out for your household.
- Water, food and equipment counted for each person and pet
- The nuclear plants and zones around your home
- Phaenyx Safe: one tap to tell your people you are safe
Sources
- SÚJB / ČEZ, a. s. · Základní informace pro případ radiační havárie — Jódová profylaxe (JE Dukovany 2026/2027) checked 2026-10-20
- Státní ústav pro kontrolu léčiv (SÚKL) · Databáze léčivých přípravků — JODID DRASELNÝ SERB 65MG (kód 0264038) a JODID DRASELNÝ G.L. PHARMA 65MG (kód 0183719) checked 2026-10-20
- Státní ústav pro kontrolu léčiv (SÚKL) · Výzva k předložení údajů při podezření na ohrožení dostupnosti léčivých přípravků — jodid draselný (10. 6. 2025) checked 2026-10-20