Iodex

Iodex belongs to the pharmacotherapeutic group of drugs that replenish iodine deficiency in the body. Other trade names (synonyms and generics) of Iodex: Potassium iodide, Iodbalance, Iod-Normil, Iodomarin, Microiodide, Iod Vitrum, etc.

Indications Iodex

Iodex is used to prevent iodine deficiency, which leads to the development of hypothyroidism, diffuse euthyroid goiter, and transient neonatal iodine deficiency hypothyroidism.

Also indications for the use of Iodex and its synonyms are:

• treatment of endemic goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) and other diseases associated with iodine deficiency in certain regions;
• prevention of relapse of goiter after its drug therapy;
• preparation for surgery to remove part of the thyroid gland;
• prevention of thyroid enlargement after resection;
• protection of the thyroid gland from the effects of radioactive radiation.

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Release form

The drug is available in tablet form, 1 mg (100 mcg).

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Pharmacodynamics

Potassium iodide contained in the Iodex preparation is concentrated in the follicular epithelium of the thyroid gland when it enters the body. There, under the influence of special enzymes (peroxidase and cytochrome oxidase), an oxidation-reduction reaction occurs with the release of iodine, so that only molecular iodine is needed to produce thyroid hormones.

Next, iodine is captured by molecules of the amino acid tyrosine, and iodized tyrosine is transformed into the precursor hormones monoiodotyrosine and diiodotyrosine, from which the thyroid hormones themselves are obtained - thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones accumulate inside the thyroid gland, as part of the specific protein thyroglobulin, and their release occurs through its proteolytic cleavage. In this case, the precursors of thyroxine and triiodothyronine lose iodine, and it returns to the process of synthesis of thyroid hormones.

Thus, the use of Iodex covers the need for iodine (1.5-2 mg per day) and ensures normal functioning of the thyroid gland.

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Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration, Iodex is gradually absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, and the bioavailability of the drug is almost 100%.

In addition to the thyroid gland, iodine enters the tissues of the stomach, salivary and mammary glands, and its concentration in the tissues is higher than in the blood plasma.

Iodine is excreted from the body through the kidneys (with urine), as well as the mammary glands (with breast milk), and also through the sweat and salivary glands.

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Dosing and administration

Method of application Iodex is oral, the drug should be taken regularly, once a day - after meals, the tablet should be washed down with water or milk. The daily dose of Iodex for the prevention of iodine deficiency in the body, as well as relapse of goiter growth: adults and children over 12 years old - 1-2 mg, children under 12 years old - 0.5-1 mg, pregnant and lactating women - 1.5-2 mg. The duration of taking the drug is determined individually, the usual course of prevention lasts from 6 months to a year.

The dose for the treatment of euthyroid goiter is: adults - 3-5 mg per day, adolescents and children - 1-2 mg.

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Use Iodex during pregnancy

Considering that the need for iodine increases during pregnancy or lactation, the use of Iodex and all preparations containing potassium iodide is possible, but only as prescribed by a doctor and only with strict adherence to the prescribed dosage.

The drug penetrates the placental barrier, enters breast milk, and a violation of the dosage can lead to dysfunction of the thyroid gland in the fetus and child (hypo- or hyperthyroidism).

Contraindications

Iodex is contraindicated for use in cases of increased individual sensitivity to iodine, hyperthyroidism, toxic thyroid adenoma (Plummer's disease), nodular (multinodular) goiter, diffuse toxic goiter (Graves' disease), Duhring's dermatitis herpetiformis (chronic skin disease), hemorrhagic diathesis and pulmonary tuberculosis.

In case of hypothyroidism not associated with iodine deficiency, Iodex should not be used.

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Side effects Iodex

When the recommended dosage of calcium iodide-containing drugs is observed, side effects are quite rare. The most common of them are: toxicoderma, erythroderma, swelling of the nasal mucosa and rhinitis, discomfort in the stomach, Quincke's edema.

Rare and isolated side effects of Iodex include diarrhea, increased heart rate, trembling of the extremities (tremor), insomnia, hyperhidrosis (increased sweating), increased levels of eosinophils in the blood (eosinophilia), and anaphylactic shock.

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Overdose

Overdose of Iodex and all preparations with potassium iodide leads to a state of iodism, which is characterized by inflammation (aseptic) of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, salivary glands and paranasal sinuses. Inflammation manifests itself in the form of: rhinitis, increased salivation and a metallic taste in the mouth, laryngitis, tracheitis, lacrimation and inflammation of the conjunctiva. In addition, fever, weakness, intestinal disorders, papular rashes on the skin of the face and body are possible.

In such situations, the intake of iodine preparations is cancelled and calcium chloride (10% solution) and bromine preparations, etc. are prescribed orally.

In old age, long-term use of significant doses of Iodex (over 3 mg per day) can cause hyperthyroidism.

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Interactions with other drugs

Interactions of Iodex with other drugs containing iodine include the risk of its excess, which leads to a decrease in the effectiveness of thyreostatic (antithyroid) drugs (Betazine, Diiodotyrosine, Potassium Perchlorate, etc.).

The use of the pituitary hormone thyrotropin promotes the accumulation of iodine in the thyroid gland. Taking vitamins A, B2, B6, B9 and B12 improves the absorption of potassium iodide by thyroid cells.

Hyperkalemia may potentially develop when taking Iodex in parallel with other drugs containing potassium (for example, diuretics Veroshpiron, Amiloride, Triamterene, etc.). When taking iodine-containing drugs and lithium drugs at the same time, the thyroid gland may enlarge, and the use of pharmacological agents with plant alkaloids may result in the formation of insoluble compounds.

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Storage conditions

Storage conditions for Iodex: in a place protected from light, at room temperature.

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Shelf life

The shelf life is 24 months.

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