Special warnings and special precautions for use

Before use of Jodid 500 µg it is essential to establish whether hyperthyroidism or a nodular goiter is present or whether the patient has a history of these. Specific methods of diagnosis must be carried out prior to commencement of iodine therapy to exclude the existence of diffuse or circumscribed autonomy of the thyroid because in this situation hyperthyroidism may be induced with daily iodide doses of 150 µg and over.

Use of iodide is not indicated in hypothyroidism with the exception of those cases in which the hypothyroidism results from severe iodine deficiency or false utilization of iodine.

Administration of iodide may make it impossible to carry out planned radioiodine therapy in hyperthyroidism, autonomous nodules or thyroid carcinoma. Administration of iodine is to be avoided where thyroid carcinoma is suspected.

Interaction with other medicaments and other forms of interaction

Iodine deficiency increases the response to antithyroid therapy of hyperthyroidism, iodine excess lowers the response. Consequently all avoidable administration of iodine should be stopped before and during treatment of hyperthyroidism.

Iodine uptake into the thyroid is inhibited by perchlorate and thiocyanate (at concentrations over 5 mg/dl in the blood).

Iodine uptake and iodine turnover in the thyroid are stimulated by TSH.

High doses of potassium iodide in combination with potassium-sparing diuretics may cause hyperkalemia.

Pregnancy and lactation

Treatment with iodine should be given consistently particularly during pregnancy and lactation.

Effects on ability to drive and use machines

There are no indications that iodine interferes with driving a vehicle, operating machinery, or working without a firm hold.

Undesirable effects

Side effects need not to be anticipated. Where a thyroid exhibits large autonomous areas it is not entirely possible to exclude the possibility of hyperthyroidism being caused after daily iodine doses of more than 150 µg. Elderly patients with goiters which have existed for a long time are particularly at risk.

Overdose

In the case of thyroid overactivity (due to thyroid autonomy) drug therapy if necessary.