Short answer. In Italy, potassium iodide (KI) tablets come from the Health Ministry's national strategic stockpile and are handed out only on the authorities' order, under Prefettura plans 2. Target groups are ages 0-17, ages 18-40 and pregnant or breastfeeding women 2. Do not buy tablets in advance: "Non acquistare, preventivamente o di tua iniziativa, compresse di ioduro di potassio la cui vendita è regolamentata" 1. Information verified on 2026-10-20.
Why does Italy plan for iodine if it has no nuclear plants?
Italy has no nuclear power plants in operation, but it plans for a serious accident at plants in France, Switzerland, Germany and Slovenia within 200 km of its border 123. Iodine prophylaxis applies to the regions under the radioactive cloud after such an accident 2. Background on planning distances: How far do emergency zones around nuclear plants extend?
How are the tablets distributed?
Only in an emergency. The KI comes from the Scorta strategica Nazionale Antidoti e Farmaci (SNAF, the national strategic stockpile of antidotes and medicines), is stored in regional depots and micro-depots, and is handed out under provincial plans prepared by the Prefetture with the Regions and Comuni 2. Your Prefettura is the place to ask about the local plan.
Tablets are not something you collect in advance: distribution happens in an emergency only 2.
Who receives iodine tablets in Italy?
The national procedure targets three groups 2:
- children and young people aged 0 to 17;
- adults aged 18 to 40;
- pregnant or breastfeeding women.
What dose applies at each age?
The national procedure sets doses of potassium iodide by age, expressed with 65 mg tablets 2:
| Age | KI dose | 65 mg tablets |
|---|---|---|
| Over 12 years | 130 mg | 2 |
| 3 to 12 years | 65 mg | 1 |
| 1 month to 3 years | 32 mg | 1/2 |
| Up to 1 month | 16 mg | 1/4 |
Take tablets only when the authorities say so, at the dose they give.
When should iodine be taken?
Timing decides whether it helps. According to the national procedure 2:
- optimal: from less than 24 hours before to 2 hours after the expected exposure;
- still reasonable up to 8 hours after;
- after 24 hours, it can do more harm than good.
One dose blocks the thyroid for about 24 to 48 hours 2. For how KI works, see Potassium iodide (KI): when to take it and who needs it.
Can I buy potassium iodide in an Italian pharmacy?
The official instruction is not to buy tablets preventively or on your own initiative, because their sale is regulated 1. We did not find an official source stating whether KI is prescription-only in Italy or simply not marketed in pharmacies, so this page does not say either. Ask your pharmacist or doctor about your own situation.
What else should I do in a nuclear emergency?
Shelter indoors as instructed, for about 48 hours as a guide 1; see our public shelters page. IT-alert will tell you when the alarm phase is activated; see our alerts page.
Frequently asked questions
Does Italy pre-distribute iodine tablets to homes?
Distribution happens in an emergency only: tablets are handed out from regional depots under prefecture plans when the authorities order it 2.
Should people over 40 take iodine in Italy?
The national procedure's target groups are ages 0-17, ages 18-40 and pregnant or breastfeeding women 2.
How long does one dose protect?
About 24 to 48 hours, according to the national procedure 2.
Is it too late to take iodine a day after exposure?
Taking it up to 8 hours after exposure is still considered reasonable; after 24 hours it can do more harm than good 2.
Sources
- Dipartimento della Protezione Civile (Io non rischio) — Cosa fare - Radiologico e nucleare — https://www.iononrischio.gov.it/it/preparati/nucleare/cosa-fare/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Dipartimento della Protezione Civile (published by Prefettura - UTG) — Piano nazionale per la gestione delle emergenze radiologiche e nucleari - Appendice 13. Procedura per l'attivazione e l'attuazione della misura di iodoprofilassi (versione 1.21, 9 marzo 2022) — https://prefettura.interno.gov.it/sites/default/files/83/2024-09/all.04-procedura-di-iodoprofilassi_0.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Dipartimento della Protezione Civile (Io non rischio) — Cosa sapere - Radiologico e nucleare — https://www.iononrischio.gov.it/it/preparati/nucleare/cosa-sapere/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
Your plan for Italy, 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
- Dipartimento della Protezione Civile (Io non rischio) · Cosa fare - Radiologico e nucleare checked 2026-10-20
- Dipartimento della Protezione Civile (published by Prefettura - UTG) · Piano nazionale per la gestione delle emergenze radiologiche e nucleari - Appendice 13. Procedura per l'attivazione e l'attuazione della misura di iodoprofilassi (versione 1.21, 9 marzo 2022) checked 2026-10-20
- Dipartimento della Protezione Civile (Io non rischio) · Cosa sapere - Radiologico e nucleare checked 2026-10-20