About sodium iodide i
Radioactive iodine therapy
Used for
- Treats overactive thyroid, including Graves’ disease and toxic nodules.
- Treats certain thyroid cancers after thyroidectomy.
Usual adult dose
Dose varies by diagnosis and testing; specialists prescribe and administer it under radiation-safety procedures.
Usual dose in children
For selected children with thyroid cancer or severe hyperthyroidism, specialists calculate an individualized dose.
Common side effects
- Nausea, temporary neck tenderness, or swelling.
- Dry mouth or altered taste.
- Reduced thyroid function, often requiring lifelong thyroid hormone.
- Rarely, salivary-gland inflammation or fertility effects.
Important warnings
- Radioactive; follow specialist instructions to limit exposure to others.
- Not used during pregnancy; pregnancy testing is typically required.
- Avoid breastfeeding; treatment requires stopping breastfeeding beforehand.
- Use cautiously with kidney problems or difficulty swallowing capsules.
Pregnancy
Contraindicated during pregnancy; may harm the developing thyroid. Avoid conception for the period advised by the specialist after treatment.
Breastfeeding
Do not use while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding must be stopped before treatment and should not resume for the treated child.
Interactions
- Antithyroid medicines may affect treatment timing and effectiveness.
- Iodine-containing medicines, supplements, or contrast agents can reduce uptake.
- Thyroid hormone medicines may need adjustment around treatment.
- Amiodarone can interfere because it contains iodine.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.