Iodine - oral


Patient Medicine Information
Why do I need this medicine?
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.
How do I take this medicine?
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.
What should I do if I have forgotten to take this medicine?
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.
When should I not use this medicine?
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.
What should I take note of while taking this medicine?
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.
What side effects could I experience?
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.
Can I take this with other medicines?
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.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Avoid alcohol.
How should I store this medicine?
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.
This information is independently developed by MIMS based on iodine - oral and is provided for your reference only. It is not a replacement for and should only be used in conjunction with full consultation with a licensed healthcare professional, the information provided by your pharmacist and/or the manufacturer of the medication. It may not contain all the available information you require and cannot substitute professional medical care, nor does it take into account all individual circumstances. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, we shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
Register or sign in to continue
Asia's one-stop resource for medical news, clinical reference and education
Already a member? Sign in
Register or sign in to continue
Asia's one-stop resource for medical news, clinical reference and education
Already a member? Sign in