iodine

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

iodine has potent antiseptic capabilities, meaning it may eradicate or stop the development of germs including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is helpful in emergency situations or places where access to clean water is scarce since it is effective in eliminating many kinds of dangerous germs and parasites. 

iodine has a distinctive absorption spectrum in the visible light spectrum. Specific light wavelengths are absorbed by iodine vapour as white light passes through it, producing dark absorption lines or bands in the spectrum.  

iodine’s absorption spectrum in the visible range often consists of a collection of sparsely spaced dark lines called as “spectral fingerprints.” 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Metallic taste  

Thyroid suppression 

Angioedema  

Headache 

Acne  

Pulmonary edema 

Eosinophilia 

Diarrhea 

Urticaria 

Fever 

Arthralgia 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• People with known iodine allergies or hypersensitivity should avoid iodine use.  
• iodine use can worsen dermatitis herpetiformis symptoms in some people who are hypersensitive to it. 

Caution: 

• People with thyroid disorders, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, should exercise caution when using iodine supplements or iodine-containing products. 
• While iodine is essential for proper thyroid function and is crucial for fetal and infant development, excessive iodine intake can be harmful. 
• Individuals with kidney disease, particularly those with impaired kidney function or a history of kidney disorders, should use iodine with caution. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Enters human breast milk and cautious use is recommended    

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

Broad-spectrum antibacterial action is exhibited by iodine. It works well against fungus, viruses, and bacteria, including both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Iodine causes microbial cell membranes to lose their integrity, which results in cell death. 

iodine can take electrons from other chemicals, making it an oxidizing agent. By oxidizing and harming vital cellular components of microbes, this feature supports its antimicrobial effectiveness. 

Pharmacodynamics 

Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are thyroid hormones that are synthesized in the thyroid gland from iodine, which is a necessary component. Thyroglobulin, a protein precursor, contains iodine, which is essential to produce thyroid hormones that are active. T3 and T4 have a role in the regulation of the body’s metabolism, growth, development, and many physiological functions. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

For oral iodine supplements, absorption primarily occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the small intestine.  

Distribution 

iodine rapidly distributes throughout the body. It is mainly distributed to the thyroid gland, where it is incorporated into the synthesis of thyroid hormones. 

Metabolism 

iodine does not undergo significant metabolism in the body. It is primarily used for the synthesis of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland. 

Elimination and excretion 

The elimination of iodine primarily occurs through the kidneys. It is filtered by the kidneys and excreted in urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration 

iodine can be taken orally in the form of iodine supplements or iodine-containing compounds, such as potassium iodide. iodine is commonly used as a topical antiseptic for disinfecting wounds, cuts, and surgical sites. It is available in various forms, including solutions, ointments, creams, and sprays.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: iodine 

Why do we use iodine? 

iodine is a necessary vitamin for the thyroid gland to operate properly. Iodine is used by the thyroid gland to make the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).  

iodine can be used to purify water and make it safe for consumption. It is effective in killing many types of harmful microorganisms.  

iodine is widely used as an antiseptic and disinfectant due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties.