Interactions
Before starting to take iodide, the treating doctor or pharmacist should be informed about other medicines, including non-prescription medicines, that you are taking. During treatment of hyperthyroidism, iodine deficiency causes an increased response to drug therapy, whereas excess iodine reduces the response to drug therapy. For this reason, any administration of iodine should be avoided during treatment of hyperthyroidism.
Drugs such as perchlorate or thiocyanate (at a concentration of more than 5 mg/dl) inhibit the absorption of iodine into the thyroid. The simultaneous application of high doses of iodine, which inhibits the formation of thyroid hormones, and lithium, for the treatment of psychiatric diseases, can promote an underfunction of the thyroid gland and the development of thyroid enlargement. Taking potassium-sparing diuretics and potassium iodide at the same time can lead to an increase in the potassium level in the body.
Pregnancy and lactation
During pregnancy, both overdosing of iodine and iodine deficiency should be avoided, as both can cause damage to the unborn child. However, a pregnant woman has an increased need for iodine, so that an adequate supply of iodine is important during this period. When taking iodine preparations with a dosage of up to 200 μg daily, no damage to the unborn child has yet been described.
However, higher doses should only be used if there is a manifest iodine deficiency, as the iodine can penetrate to the unborn child and can lead to goitre formation and hypothyroidism in the womb. In addition to pregnancy, there is also an increased requirement for the trace element iodine during the breastfeeding period. Also in this time iodine preparations with a dosage of 200 μg can be supplied daily without problems.
Higher dosages should be avoided if there is no iodine deficiency, as iodine has the ability to enter the mother’s milk and accumulate there. In general, iodine preparations should only be taken during pregnancy and lactation if expressly prescribed by a doctor. In case of any uncertainties you should definitely consult your doctor or pharmacist.
