Iodine
Pronunciation: (EYE-oh-dyne).
- Generic name
- Iodine
- Brand names
- Lugol's Solution, SSKI, Povidone-Iodine, Videne, Iodinex, Betadine
- Drug class
- Essential mineral, Antiseptic, Thyroid agent
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Iodine is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Iodine works
Iodine is an essential trace element required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones (thyroxine [T4] and triiodothyronine [T3]). These hormones regulate metabolic processes, growth, and development. As a topical antiseptic, iodine acts by penetrating microbial cell walls and disrupting protein and nucleic acid structure, leading to cell death.
What Iodine is used for
Thyroid hormone synthesis
Thyroid hormone synthesis (2)
Antiseptic for wounds
Antiseptic for wounds (2)
Treatment of iodine deficiency disorders
Treatment of iodine deficiency disorders (2)
Preoperative preparation for thyroidectomy
Preoperative preparation for thyroidectomy (2)
Before taking Iodine
Do not take / not appropriate for
- known hypersensitivity to iodine, active hyperthyroidism (unless specifically indicated), and certain dermatological conditions (e.g., dermatitis herpetiformis). (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Iodine
- General Instructions: Take or use iodine exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose.. Adult Dosing: For iodine deficiency: Typical oral dose is 150 micrograms daily. For antiseptic use: Apply topically as directed. For thyroid conditions: Dose varies; follow medical advice.. Pediatric Dosing: Dosing is weight- and age-dependent. Consult a pediatrician for appropriate dosing in children.. Administration: Oral forms can be taken with or without food. Topical forms should be applied to clean, dry skin. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes unless specifically indicated.. When To Stop: If you develop signs of allergy or severe side effects, seek medical advice promptly; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop using iodine. For dietary/supplement use, follow the recommended intake for your age and life stage rather than a fixed prescribed course.. Storage: Store at controlled room temperature 20-25C (68-77F), away from moisture and direct sunlight, in a tight, light-resistant container. Crystallization can occur in cold temperatures but resolves on warming. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, metallic taste, fever, and signs of thyroid dysfunction. Acute severe reactions can include swelling of the face/throat (angioedema) or airway swelling (laryngeal edema), which are medical emergencies; chronic excess intake can cause burning of the mouth/throat, severe headache, and skin eruptions. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Vomiting
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Diarrhea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Stomach pain
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Skin rash
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hypersensitivity reactions
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Thyroid dysfunction
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
Use with caution in patients with thyroid disorders — serious
Symptoms: Use with caution in patients with thyroid disorders. Prolonged or excessive use may cause thyroid dysfunction. Allergic reactions can occur, including severe anaphylaxis. Topical use may cause skin irritation or burns if misused. Consult your doctor before use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindications include known hypersensitivity to iodine, active hyperthyroidism (unless specifically indicated), and certain dermatological conditions (e.g., dermatitis herpetiformis). Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Monitor for signs of thyroid dysfunction and allergic reactions.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
For pharmacological/high-dose iodine products (e — serious
Symptoms: For pharmacological/high-dose iodine products (e.g., potassium iodide oral solution, SSKI): the FDA label states potassium iodide can cause fetal harm, abnormal thyroid function, and goiter when given to a pregnant woman, and it is excreted in breast milk, where it may cause skin rash and thyroid suppression in a nursing infant. This is distinct from ordinary dietary iodine intake at recommended levels, which is necessary in pregnancy and breastfeeding (see special_populations). Additional caution is advised in patients with Addison's disease, cardiac disease, hyperthyroidism, myotonia congenita, tuberculosis, or acute bronchitis. Combining potassium-containing iodine products with ACE inhibitors or potassium-sparing diuretics can cause hyperkalemia and dangerous heart rhythm problems.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Iodine may interact with certain medications, including lithium, antithyroid drugs, ACE inhibitors, and potassium-sparing diuretics. These interactions can affect thyroid function or increase the risk of side effects. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. | |
| ACE inhibitors and potassium-sparing diuretics (with potassium-containing iodine products, e.g., SSKI) | Concurrent use can cause hyperkalemia (high blood potassium), which can lead to dangerous heart rhythm problems, including cardiac arrest. Lithium and antithyroid drugs can also have their hypothyroid/goitrogenic effects potentiated by concurrent iodide use. | (2) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Two different situations apply. (1) Ordinary dietary/supplemental iodine at recommended levels is necessary in pregnancy for fetal brain development, and the recommended intake actually increases to about 220 mcg/day. (2) Pharmacological/high-dose iodine products (such as potassium iodide oral solution/SSKI or Lugol's solution, used for thyroid conditions or radiation emergencies) are labelled by the FDA as able to cause fetal harm, abnormal thyroid function, and goiter, and are generally avoided in pregnancy unless a treating clinician judges the benefit outweighs this risk. Always clarify with your clinician which type of iodine product is being discussed. (2)
Breastfeeding
Ordinary dietary iodine intake is important during breastfeeding, with a recommended intake of about 290 mcg/day. Pharmacological/high-dose iodine products (such as potassium iodide/SSKI) are excreted in breast milk and may cause skin rash and thyroid suppression in a nursing infant; discuss any high-dose iodine product with your clinician before breastfeeding. (2)
Children
Frequency: Daily.. Weight Based: Not established; generally recommended 90-120 mcg/day for children aged 1-8 years.. Max Daily Dose: 200 mcg/day for children aged 1-3 years, 300 mcg/day for children aged 4-8 years.. Max Single Dose: Not established for single doses; continuous daily intake recommended.. Age Restrictions: Safety and effectiveness of pharmacological iodine products (e.g., SSKI) have not been established in children; ordinary dietary iodine is needed from infancy but should follow age-appropriate recommended intakes. (2)
Renal_impairment
Use iodine, especially pharmacological/high-dose forms, with caution in patients with renal impairment; excess iodine is renally excreted and impaired clearance can increase the risk of iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction. No specific numeric renal dose-reduction table is established. Use with caution in patients with pre-existing cardiac disease due to the potential for iodine-related hyperkalemia when combined with certain other medications. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Use iodine, especially pharmacological/high-dose forms, with caution in patients with renal impairment; excess iodine is renally excreted and impaired clearance can increase the risk of iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction. No specific numeric renal dose-reduction table is established. Use with caution in patients with pre-existing cardiac disease due to the potential for iodine-related hyperkalemia when combined with certain other medications. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at controlled room temperature, 20-25C (68-77F), away from moisture and direct sunlight, in a tight, light-resistant container. Some liquid iodine products may crystallize in cold temperatures, which resolves on gentle warming. Keep out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Thyroid hormone synthesis
Dose summary: Dietary/supplemental iodine: standard adult RDA is 150 mcg/day, increasing to about 220 mcg/day in pregnancy and 290 mcg/day in lactation; tolerable upper intake level is about 1,100 mcg/day for adults. Pharmacological/high-dose iodine products (e.g., SSKI potassium iodide oral solution) have separate, product-specific labelled dosing — SSKI itself is FDA-labelled only as an expectorant (0.3-0.6 mL diluted, 3-4 times daily); thyroid-storm, preoperative-thyroidectomy, and radiation-emergency thyroid-blocking dosing are separate guideline-based or product-specific regimens determined by the treating clinician, not a single universal dose.
Renal context: Use with caution in renal impairment; excess iodine is renally excreted and impaired clearance can increase the risk of iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction. No specific numeric renal dose-reduction table is established. (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is iodine used for in medicine?
Iodine is used to prevent and treat iodine deficiency, manage certain thyroid conditions, and as a topical antiseptic to prevent infections. It is also used to protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine exposure in emergencies.
Can I use iodine if I have a thyroid problem?
You should consult your doctor before using iodine if you have a thyroid disorder, as it can affect thyroid hormone production and may worsen certain conditions.
Is iodine safe during pregnancy?
Adequate iodine is important during pregnancy for fetal brain development, but excessive intake can be harmful. Use only as recommended by your healthcare provider.
What are signs of iodine allergy?
Signs include rash, hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, and severe skin reactions. Seek immediate medical attention if these occur.
How should I store iodine products?
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Can I use iodine with other antiseptics?
Avoid using multiple antiseptics on the same area unless directed by a healthcare provider, as this can increase irritation or reduce effectiveness.
What should I do if I overdose on iodine?
Seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately. Overdose can cause serious symptoms and requires prompt treatment.
What happens if I take too much Iodine?
Taking too much iodine can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can cause thyroid dysfunction, including hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate emergency medical attention.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Iodine?
Generally, there are no direct contraindications to consuming alcohol while using iodine, especially for topical applications. However, if iodine is being taken systemically for thyroid conditions, excessive alcohol intake can potentially impact thyroid function or exacerbate certain side effects. It's always best to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
What is the mechanism of action of Iodine?
Iodine is an essential trace element required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones (thyroxine [T4] and triiodothyronine [T3]). These hormones regulate metabolic processes, growth, and development. As a topical antiseptic, iodine acts by penetrating microbial cell walls and disrupting protein and nucleic acid structure, leading to cell death.
What is the generic name of Iodine?
The generic name is Iodine. It is sold under brand names including Lugol's Solution, SSKI, Povidone-Iodine, Videne, Iodinex, Betadine.
What class of drug is Iodine?
Iodine is classed as: Essential mineral, Antiseptic, Thyroid agent.
References
- Iodine — clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal · Global · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- SSKI (potassium iodide oral solution, USP, saturated 1 g/mL) — prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- Iodine Dietary Reference Intakes and Upper LimitsNIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Linus Pauling Institute, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 3
- PVP IODINE PREP PAD MEDIUM AND LARGE (PROVIDONE IODINE) SWAB PVP IODINE PREP SWABSTICK ONES AND THREES (PROVIDONE IODINE) STICK [PROFESSIONAL DISPOSABLES INTERNATIONAL, INC.] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Betadine — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA M003)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Iodine — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 1371988)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Iodine names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Iodium3 [hp_X]/mL, 6 [hp_C]/6[hp_C], 9 [hp_C]/9[hp_C], 6 [hp_X], 15 [hp_C]/23g, 200 [hp_C], 1 [hp_M]/[hp_M], 15 [hp_C]5[hp_C] · rxhomeo private limited d.b.a. rxhomeo, inc
- Iodine Tincture (IODO) First Aid Antiseptic20 mg/mL · germa products, llc
- I2Pure Hypodine3 g/30mL · i2pure corp
- IODDO IODINE.56 g/28g · evi labs
- Bio Iodine6 [hp_X]/mL · bioactive nutritional, inc.
- Bestmade Natural Products Iodium30 [hp_C]/30[hp_C] · bestmade natural products
- Salicylic Iodine (Iodo Salicilico) First Aid Antiseptic20 mg/mL · germa products, llc
- Iodo Blanco (Iodine Tincture Decolorized) First Aid Antiseptic20 mg/mL · germa products, llc
Canada
- LIPIODOL ULTRA FLUID