Potassium iodide in Bulgaria: where to get it and when to take it

Short answer. In Bulgaria, iodine prophylaxis is part of the external emergency plans for nuclear and radiation accidents, which must organise the distribution of iodine preparations to the population ¹. GDPBZN tells residents near Kozloduy NPP to find their nearest potassium iodide distribution point in advance, and to take tablets only when the Ministry of Health orders it ². Potassium iodide 65 mg tablets are authorised in Bulgaria as non-prescription medicines ⁶.

Who decides when to take iodine?

The Ministry of Health. GDPBZN's radiation emergency instruction is explicit: "Iodine prophylaxis is carried out only after an order from the Ministry of Health! Find out in advance where your nearest point for receiving potassium iodide tablets is" ².

Do not take iodine tablets on your own initiative. Our guide on potassium iodide explains what it does and does not do.

Where are the tablets distributed?

Through distribution points set up under the external emergency plan. The Ordinance on emergency planning and emergency preparedness for nuclear and radiation accidents (PMS No. 313/2011), art. 17, item 5, requires these plans to organise the distribution of iodine preparations ¹. Residents should locate their nearest point in advance ².

Which areas are covered?

The ordinance sets a precautionary action zone and an urgent protective action zone around category I nuclear facilities ¹. GDPBZN's siren coverage and evacuation guidance refer to the 30 km zone around Kozloduy NPP ³². Our guide on nuclear plant emergency zones explains how such zones work in general.

What else should I do in a radiation emergency?

GDPBZN publishes protective measures and rules of conduct for increased radioactivity ⁴ and for radiation accidents ⁵. Near Kozloduy NPP, the radiation accident signal is a prolonged siren wail followed by a spoken announcement telling people to shelter and use personal protective equipment ². Tune your radio to "Horizont" and your TV to "Kanal 1" ². If you are told to evacuate, take food for 2-3 days, documents, money, medicines, seasonal clothing, hygiene items, baby items and a portable radio ².

See also alerts in Bulgaria and our guide on the 7-10 rule for fallout.

Can I buy potassium iodide in a Bulgarian pharmacy?

Yes. The Bulgarian Drug Agency (BDA) register of authorised medicines (September 2026 edition) lists 65 mg potassium iodide tablets from G.L. Pharma, SERB and Ramcopharm, all with the prescription regime "Без лекарско предписание" (without medical prescription) ⁶⁷. Buying tablets does not change the rule: take them only when the Ministry of Health orders iodine prophylaxis ².

What is not confirmed?

We found no official source saying whether potassium iodide tablets are pre-distributed to households near Kozloduy NPP. Ask GDPBZN or your municipality where your distribution point is, and follow Ministry of Health instructions.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a prescription for potassium iodide in Bulgaria?

No. The BDA register lists the 65 mg tablets as non-prescription medicines ⁶.

When should I take iodine in Bulgaria?

Only when the Ministry of Health orders iodine prophylaxis ².

Where do I get tablets in an emergency?

At the distribution point set up under the external emergency plan; GDPBZN asks residents to find their nearest one in advance ²¹.

Sources

1. MVR – GDPBZN — Наредба за аварийно планиране и аварийна готовност при ядрена и радиационна авария (ПМС № 313/2011, last amended DV No. 55 of 2017) — https://www.mvr.bg/upload/15724/%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B1%D0%B0-%D0%B7%D0%B0-%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD%D0%BE-%D0%BF%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B5-%D0%B8-%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%B3%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B8-%D1%8F%D0%B4%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%B8-%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%B0%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%8F.doc (accessed 2026-10-21)
2. MVR – GDPBZN — Инструкция за аварийна готовност (при радиационна опасност) — https://www.mvr.bg/upload/15984/avariinagotovnost.pdf (accessed 2026-10-21)
3. MVR – GDPBZN — Сигнали за ранно предупреждение и оповестяване на населението на територията на Република България — https://www.mvr.bg/gdpbzn/footer/info-center/pravila-signali/signali (accessed 2026-10-21)
4. MVR – GDPBZN — Мерки за защита и правила за поведение на населението при повишена радиоактивност — https://www.mvr.bg/upload/15985/merki-zashtita.pdf (accessed 2026-10-21)
5. MVR – GDPBZN — При радиационни аварии — https://www.mvr.bg/gdpbzn/info-center/pravila-povedenie/pri-radiac-avarii (accessed 2026-10-21)
6. Изпълнителна агенция по лекарствата (ИАЛ / Bulgarian Drug Agency) — Регистър на лекарствените продукти, разрешени за употреба в Република България – Регистър ИАЛ (09/2026) — https://www.bda.bg/images/stories/documents/registers/Register_Lekarstva/IAL_Register_09_2026.xlsx (accessed 2026-10-21)
7. Изпълнителна агенция по лекарствата (ИАЛ / Bulgarian Drug Agency) — Регистри на лекарствени продукти — https://www.bda.bg/bg/регистри/регистри-на-лекарствени-продукти (accessed 2026-10-21)