Iodine, Strong (Systemic)

Brand Names : Lugol's solution

Proper Use of This Medicine

For patients taking this medicine for radiation exposure :

• Take this medicine only when directed to do so by state or local public health authorities.
• Take this medicine once a day for 10 days, unless otherwise directed by public health authorities. Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than directed . Taking more of the medicine will not protect you better and may result in a greater chance of side effects.

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.

• For oral dosage form (solution):
  • To treat overactive thyroid (hyperthyroid):
    • Adults and teenagers - One milliliter (mL) three times a day. The first dose is taken at least one hour after the first dose of your antithyroid medicine.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • To prepare for surgery to remove thyroid gland:
    • Adults, teenagers, and children - 3 to 5 drops (approximately 0.1 to 0.3 mL) three times a day for ten days before surgery. This medicine is usually given along with your antithyroid medicine.
  • To protect the thyroid gland against radiation exposure:
    • Adults and teenagers - 130 mg once a day for ten days.
    • Children - 65 mg once a day for ten days.
  • To treat iodine deficiency:
    • Adults and teenagers - 0.3 to 1 mL three to four times a day.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

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:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places.
• Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.