Iodine is used together with other medicines to reduce the blood flow in the thyroid gland before surgery.
It may also be used to protect the thyroid gland from the effects of radiation from inhaled or swallowed radioactive iodine.
Take Iodine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
If you experience any stomach discomfort, take it with food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine is available as a tablet and oral solution.
If you have been given the oral solution, you may dilute it with a glass of milk, juice or water.
If you are taking the tablet, you may crush and mix it with water, milk, jam, honey or yoghurt.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of your treatment depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Iodine and alert your doctor if you ever had an allergic reaction (breathlessness, rashes, swollen eyes) to this medicine or to any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- hypocomplementaemic vasculitis (a disease-causing inflammation of the blood vessels)
- dermatitis herpetiformis (skin disease characterised by itchy, blistering, burning skin rash in the elbows, knees, scalp, or buttocks)
- nodular thyroid condition (enlarged thyroid gland) with heart disease
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- kidney disease
- heart disease
- thyroid disorder e.g. overactive thyroid
- bronchitis (a condition where your airways are inflamed and produce a lot of mucus)
- TB (infection known as tuberculosis)
- myotonia congenita (inherited disease affecting skeletal muscles or muscles used for movement)
- adrenal gland problems e.g. Addison’s disease (disorder of the adrenal gland wherein your body does not produce enough of certain hormones)
- dehydration (excessive water loss from the body)
- cramps due to extreme heat
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Iodine to a child.
Iodine may interfere with the results of thyroid function tests. Inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine before undergoing this test.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Your doctor may also need to do routine blood tests to check your thyroid function while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these tests.
Iodine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, muscle pain, tiredness, difficulty sleeping, numbness or tingling sensation in hands and feet, skin rash and swelling of the mouth or throat.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop taking Iodine and inform your doctor quickly. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacists if you are taking any other of these medicines:
- lithium (medicine for mood disorders)
- medicines for high blood pressure and heart disease e.g. captopril, quinidine, aliskiren
- medicines for water retention or “water pills” e.g. amiloride, triamterene
- potassium supplements
- heparin (blood-thinning medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Itraconazole.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store below 25°C, away from the reach of children.
Keep the oral solution bottle tightly closed. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.