Iodine is an essential nutrient that helps your body make thyroid hormones, which are crucial for a number of your body’s central functions. [1] X Research source If you have an iodine deficiency, hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer, fibrocystic breast disease, or have been exposed to nuclear radiation, your doctor may recommend that you take iodine drops to increase your body’s iodine levels. Whatever your reason for taking iodine drops, make sure that you always take them as directed by your doctor.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:
Using Iodine Drops
-
Pick up the iodine drops recommend by your doctor. If your doctor determines that you should take iodine drops to help treat an iodine deficiency, thyroid cancer, fibrocystic breast disease, or to protect you against radiation poisoning, they will likely recommend a specific brand and dosage. Iodine drops are available without a prescription at most pharmacies, as well as many online retailers.
- A bottle of iodine drops generally consists of a small percentage of iodine (often about 2%) in distilled water. The microgram dosage per drop, however, can vary, so many sure that you pick up the exact iodine drops recommended by your doctor.
-
Eat a meal before using iodine drops to avoid an upset stomach. If your body isn’t used to iodine drops, they can cause an upset stomach. Eating a full meal before taking iodine can help you avoid some stomach-related side effects, including nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea. [2] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to sourceAdvertisement
-
Fill the dropper according to your doctor’s instructions. Before taking any of the iodine drops, read your doctor’s instructions to calculate how much you need to fill the in the dropper. Then, remove the dropper from the bottle and squeeze out the air by squeezing the rubber top. Insert the dropper into the bottle and slowly release the rubber top to draw the iodine liquid inside. Let the dropper fill up with the appropriate amount of liquid, then remove the dropper from the bottle.
- If the dropper is over-filled, gently squeeze the rubber top over the bottle to release some of the liquid back into the bottle.
-
Take the number of drops directed by your doctor. Hold the dropper over your tongue and pinch the rubber top gently to release a drop of the iodine liquid into your mouth. Repeat this until you have taken the amount of iodine drops recommended by your doctor. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Your doctor will likely recommend that you wash the iodine drops down with a full glass of water. [4] X Research source
-
Use as often as directed by your doctor. How often you should take iodine drops varies greatly depending on the dosage, your body’s current iodine levels, and your reason for taking iodine drops. As a result, make sure that you follow your doctor’s instructions and only use iodine drops as often as directed. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- To treat an iodine deficiency, the recommended dosage is usually .3 to 1 mL 3 to 4 times per day. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- To help treat hyperthyroidism, the recommended dosage is usually about 1 mL 3 times per day. [7] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
- To help protect your thyroid after radiation exposure, the recommended dosage is generally 130 mg once per day for 10 days. [8] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source
-
Talk to your doctor if you experience any side effects. There are several side effects that may occur when you take iodine drops. Some of these side effects are normal and will subside as your body adjusts, while others are very severe and could indicate iodine poisoning. [9] X Research source If you experience any of the following side effects, talk to your doctor to determine if you should continue using iodine drops. [10] X Research source
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Fever.
- Burning sensation in your throat or mouth.
- Stomach pain.
Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:
Determining Whether to Take Iodine Drops
-
Assess whether you are at greater risk for an iodine deficiency. Iodine is an essential nutrient that, in many parts of the world, is readily available in the food supply. In the US, for example, most people easily get the recommended 150 micrograms per day. [11] X Research source There are, however, some populations of people that are more at risk for an iodine deficiency. You may be at greater risk of an iodine deficiency if any of the following apply:
- You are pregnant and, therefore, are not consuming as many high iodine foods, such as fish and dairy. [12] X Research source
- You don’t use iodized salt.
- You follow a vegetarian or vegan diet and don’t consume fish and/or dairy.
- You live in a country with little iodine in the soil, such as New Zealand, Europe, and the southern parts of Asia. [13] X Research source
-
Determine if you have any symptoms of an iodine deficiency. The symptoms of an iodine deficiency can cause constant discomfort and, in some cases, can be very severe. If you have any of the following symptoms, talk to your doctor to determine if you have an iodine deficiency, or if your symptoms are signs of a different issue.
- Swelling in your neck. This is the most common symptom of an iodine deficiency. [14] X Research source
- Unexpected weight gain.
- Chronic fatigue and weakness.
- Hair loss and/or dry, flaky skin.
- Constant feeling of being cold.
- Changes in your heartrate.
- Problems with your pregnancy or with your period, including unusually heavy or irregular periods. [15] X Research source
-
Avoid iodine drops if you are taking specific medications. Iodine drops interact with some medications. To avoid both minor and potentially serious complications, avoid taking iodine drops (unless specifically directed by your doctor) if you are taking any of the following medications:
- Medications for hyperthyroidism.
- ACE inhibitors, such as Benazepril or Ramipril.
- Potassium-sparing diuretics, such as Amiloride and Eplerenone.
- Blood thinners, such as warfarin.
- Amiodarone. [16] X Research source
-
Talk to your doctor about taking iodine drops. If you determine that you are at higher risk for an iodine deficiency and have experienced any of the symptoms, talk to your doctor to determine if you should take iodine drops. Your doctor can assess whether you have an iodine deficiency and, if so, whether iodine drops are the proper treatment plan for your specific circumstances. [17] X Research source In addition, your doctor may also determine that you should take iodine drops to help treat thyroid cancer and fibrocystic breast disease, or to help protect your thyroid from radiation in the event of a nuclear emergency. [18] X Research source
- While iodine drops are available without a prescription, taking them without instructions from your doctor could put you at risk for developing hyperthyroidism, a condition that occurs when your thyroid produces too many hormones. [19] X Research source
-
Get a blood or urine test to check if your iodine levels are low. The only way to know for certain whether you have an iodine deficiency is for your doctor to perform a blood or urine test. [20] X Research source After running the sample, your doctor will be able to definitively determine what your iodine levels are, and what you need to do to get them back to normal.
- In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you avoid iodine supplements and instead, increase your iodine intake with food.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Warnings
- Taking too much iodine can cause iodine poisoning, which, in severe cases, can lead to a coma. As a result, it is important that you always talk to your doctor before taking iodine drops, and follow your doctor’s instructions exactly. [21] X Research sourceThanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/288471.php
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/iodine-and-potassium-iodide-strong-iodine-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20062037
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/iodine-and-potassium-iodide-strong-iodine-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20062037
- ↑ https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=ec12b0ab-8fee-4b4f-a6e7-349f60a6f3e0
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/iodine-and-potassium-iodide-strong-iodine-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20062037
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/iodine-and-potassium-iodide-strong-iodine-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20062037
- ↑ https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0301/p363.html
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/drugs/bioterrorism-and-drug-preparedness/frequently-asked-questions-potassium-iodide-ki#Who%20really%20needs
- ↑ https://www.drugs.com/sfx/potassium-iodide-side-effects.html#consumer
- ↑ https://www.rxlist.com/consumer_iodine/drugs-condition.htm
- ↑ https://www.rxlist.com/consumer_iodine/drugs-condition.htm
- ↑ https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-Consumer/
- ↑ https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/iodine-deficiency-symptoms
- ↑ https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/iodine-deficiency-symptoms
- ↑ https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/iodine-deficiency-symptoms
- ↑ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/288471.php
- ↑ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/288471.php
- ↑ https://www.healthline.com/health/iodine-uses#uses
- ↑ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/288471.php
- ↑ https://www.healthline.com/health/iodine-uses#iodine-supplements
- ↑ https://www.healthline.com/health/iodine-poisoning
About this article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 9,694 times.
Advertisement
