Iodine Tablets

Iodine Tablets are a consumable item used to reduce radiation buildup on the player. They are commonly found inside Medkits, and are among the shelf-stable radiation treatment options available early in exploration.

Using an Iodine Tablet removes 10 rads. This makes it useful for dealing with light to moderate exposure, but it is not always optimal to take one immediately at the first warning sign of radiation. The Radiation Tingle debuff appears at 6 rads absorbed, while Radiation Sickness does not appear until 35 rads, so using a tablet as soon as Radiation Tingle appears can waste part of its effect unless more radiation is expected soon.

Iodine Tablets are one of three items with the same radiation-reducing effect, alongside Pentetic Acid Syringes and Green Fish Livers. Their main advantage is that they stack to 5 and do not spoil, but they are usually found only in limited numbers in Medkits.

• Pentetic Acid Syringes are craftable once the recipe is learned at First Aid 4, and stack to 3.
• Green Fish Livers stack to 4, spoil over time, and must be obtained from Radfish, but they also provide a small amount of food.
• Iodine Tablets are the most convenient of the three to keep on hand for emergencies, especially when found early in Medkits.

For severe radiation exposure, the R.A.I.N. Shower is a stronger alternative, since it removes all radiation from the player, though it requires water and power and does not grant Rad Resistant.