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| Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
| Contents of this page: | |
Another commonly used name in the U.S. and Canada is Lugol's solution .
Strong iodine (EYE-oh-dine) is used to treat overactive thyroid, iodine deficiency, and to protect the thyroid gland from the effects of radiation from radioactive forms of iodine. It may be used before and after administration of a radioactive medicine containing radioactive iodine or after accidental exposure to radiation (for example, from nuclear power plant accidents). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Strong iodine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For strong iodine, the following should be considered:
Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to iodine or potassium iodide. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy--Taking strong iodine during pregnancy may cause thyroid problems or goiter in the newborn infant.
Breast-feeding--Strong iodine may cause skin rash and thyroid problems in nursing babies.
Children--Strong iodine may cause skin rash and thyroid problems in infants.
Older adults--Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of strong iodine in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Other medicines--Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking strong iodine, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
Other medical problems--The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of strong iodine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
For patients taking this medicine for radiation exposure :
If strong iodine upsets your stomach, take it after meals or with food or milk unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If stomach upset (nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea) continues, check with your doctor.
This medicine is to be taken by mouth even if it comes in a dropper bottle.
Do not use this solution if it turns brownish yellow.
Take strong iodine in a full glass (8 ounces) of water or in fruit juice, milk, or broth to improve the taste and lessen stomach upset. Be sure to drink all of the liquid to get the full dose of medicine.
If crystals form in strong iodine solution, they may be dissolved by warming the closed container of solution in warm water and then gently shaking the container.
Dosing--The dose of strong iodine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of strong iodine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Missed dose--If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage--To store this medicine:
Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine does not cause unwanted effects.
For patients on a low-potassium diet:
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. When this medicine is used for a short time at low doses, side effects usually are rare.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Hives; joint pain; swelling of the arms, face, legs, lips, tongue, and/or throat; swelling of the lymph glands
With long-term use
Burning of mouth or throat; confusion; headache (severe); increased watering of mouth; irregular heartbeat; metallic taste; numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in hands or feet; soreness of teeth and gums; stomach upset; symptoms of head cold; unusual tiredness; weakness or heaviness of legs
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
Less common
Diarrhea; nausea or vomiting; stomach pain
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Revised: 04/15/92
Interim revision: 08/10/94
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