Drug reference

iodine

ionic inhibitor, antithyroid drug · antithyroid, radiation protection

ionic inhibitor, antithyroid drugantithyroid, radiation protection

CDSCO approved

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

—

none in our sources

PREGNANCY

—

not curated

Mechanism

In high concentration, limits its own transport and acutely and transiently inhibits the synthesis of iodotyrosines and iodothyronines (Wolff-Chaikoff effect). Inhibits the release of thyroid hormone. Reduces vascularity, makes the gland firmer, cells smaller, and colloid reaccumulates.

Indications

preoperative period in preparation for thyroidectomyin conjunction with antithyroid drugs and propranolol in the treatment of thyrotoxic crisisprotection from radioactive iodine falloutPreoperative preparation for thyroidectomy in Graves’ diseaseThyroid stormProphylaxis of endemic goiterAntisepticcutsdegerming skin before surgerytreatment of ringwormsore throat (as Mandel's paint)antiseptic and counterirritant (as ointment)

Dosing

Adult: To protect from radioactive iodine fallout: 30 to 100 mg daily.

Contraindications

pregnancy (for Lugol solution and KISS)
pregnancy (may cause foetal goiter and hypothyroidism)
nursing mothers (may cause infantile goiter and hypothyroidism)
multinodular goiter (thyrotoxicosis may be aggravated)

Side effects

Common

iodism (unpleasant brassy taste, burning in the mouth and throat, soreness of the teeth and gums, increased salivation, coryza, sneezing, irritation of the eyes with swelling of the eyelids, mild iodism simulates a "head cold", enlarged and tender parotid and submaxillary glands, skin lesions, gastric irritation, diarrhea, fever, anorexia, depression)Chronic overdose (iodism): inflammation of mucous membranes, salivation, rhinorrhoea, sneezing, lacrimation, swelling of eyelids, burning sensation in mouth, headache, rashes, g.i. symptoms.flaring of acne (in adolescents)hypothyroidism (with long-term high doses)goiter (with long-term high doses)

Serious

angioedema
laryngeal edema (may lead to suffocation)
multiple cutaneous hemorrhages
serum sickness type of hypersensitivity (fever, arthralgia, lymph node enlargement, eosinophilia)
thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
fatal periarteritis nodosa
severe and sometimes fatal eruptions (ioderma)
Acute reaction (in sensitive individuals): swelling of lips, eyelids, angioedema of larynx (may be dangerous), fever, joint pain, petechial haemorrhages, thrombocytopenia, lymphadenopathy.
corrosive (solid iodine)
burning and blistering of skin (stronger solutions)
rashes and systemic manifestations (in sensitive individuals)