Easy Ways to Take Iodine Drops: 11 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

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Co-authored bywikiHow Staff

Last Updated: December 1, 2021References

1. 1

   Pick up the iodine drops recommend by your doctor. If your doctor determines that you should take iodine drops to help treat an iodine deficiency, thyroid cancer, fibrocystic breast disease, or to protect you against radiation poisoning, they will likely recommend a specific brand and dosage. Iodine drops are available without a prescription at most pharmacies, as well as many online retailers.

   • A bottle of iodine drops generally consists of a small percentage of iodine (often about 2%) in distilled water. The microgram dosage per drop, however, can vary, so many sure that you pick up the exact iodine drops recommended by your doctor.
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   Eat a meal before using iodine drops to avoid an upset stomach. If your body isn’t used to iodine drops, they can cause an upset stomach. Eating a full meal before taking iodine can help you avoid some stomach-related side effects, including nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea.^[2]

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   See Also

   Iodine Uses: Benefits, Side Effects, Recommendations, and MoreIodine's Role in Thyroid HealthOffice of Dietary Supplements - Iodine15 Foods High In Iodine

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   Fill the dropper according to your doctor’s instructions. Before taking any of the iodine drops, read your doctor’s instructions to calculate how much you need to fill the in the dropper. Then, remove the dropper from the bottle and squeeze out the air by squeezing the rubber top. Insert the dropper into the bottle and slowly release the rubber top to draw the iodine liquid inside. Let the dropper fill up with the appropriate amount of liquid, then remove the dropper from the bottle.

   • If the dropper is over-filled, gently squeeze the rubber top over the bottle to release some of the liquid back into the bottle.
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   Take the number of drops directed by your doctor. Hold the dropper over your tongue and pinch the rubber top gently to release a drop of the iodine liquid into your mouth. Repeat this until you have taken the amount of iodine drops recommended by your doctor.^[3]

   • Your doctor will likely recommend that you wash the iodine drops down with a full glass of water.^[4]
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   Use as often as directed by your doctor. How often you should take iodine drops varies greatly depending on the dosage, your body’s current iodine levels, and your reason for taking iodine drops. As a result, make sure that you follow your doctor’s instructions and only use iodine drops as often as directed.^[5]

   • To treat an iodine deficiency, the recommended dosage is usually .3 to 1 mL 3 to 4 times per day.^[6]
   • To help treat hyperthyroidism, the recommended dosage is usually about 1 mL 3 times per day.^[7]
   • To help protect your thyroid after radiation exposure, the recommended dosage is generally 130 mg once per day for 10 days.^[8]
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   Talk to your doctor if you experience any side effects. There are several side effects that may occur when you take iodine drops. Some of these side effects are normal and will subside as your body adjusts, while others are very severe and could indicate iodine poisoning.^[9] If you experience any of the following side effects, talk to your doctor to determine if you should continue using iodine drops.^[10]

   • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
   • Fever.
   • Burning sensation in your throat or mouth.
   • Stomach pain.

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1. 1

   Assess whether you are at greater risk for an iodine deficiency. Iodine is an essential nutrient that, in many parts of the world, is readily available in the food supply. In the US, for example, most people easily get the recommended 150 micrograms per day.^[11] There are, however, some populations of people that are more at risk for an iodine deficiency. You may be at greater risk of an iodine deficiency if any of the following apply:

   • You are pregnant and, therefore, are not consuming as many high iodine foods, such as fish and dairy.^[12]
   • You don’t use iodized salt.
   • You follow a vegetarian or vegan diet and don’t consume fish and/or dairy.
   • You live in a country with little iodine in the soil, such as New Zealand, Europe, and the southern parts of Asia.^[13]
2. 2

   Determine if you have any symptoms of an iodine deficiency. The symptoms of an iodine deficiency can cause constant discomfort and, in some cases, can be very severe. If you have any of the following symptoms, talk to your doctor to determine if you have an iodine deficiency, or if your symptoms are signs of a different issue.

   • Swelling in your neck. This is the most common symptom of an iodine deficiency.^[14]
   • Unexpected weight gain.
   • Chronic fatigue and weakness.
   • Hair loss and/or dry, flaky skin.
   • Constant feeling of being cold.
   • Changes in your heartrate.
   • Problems with your pregnancy or with your period, including unusually heavy or irregular periods.^[15]
3. 3

   Avoid iodine drops if you are taking specific medications. Iodine drops interact with some medications. To avoid both minor and potentially serious complications, avoid taking iodine drops (unless specifically directed by your doctor) if you are taking any of the following medications:

   • Medications for hyperthyroidism.
   • ACE inhibitors, such as Benazepril or Ramipril.
   • Potassium-sparing diuretics, such as Amiloride and Eplerenone.
   • Blood thinners, such as warfarin.
   • Amiodarone.^[16]
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   Talk to your doctor about taking iodine drops. If you determine that you are at higher risk for an iodine deficiency and have experienced any of the symptoms, talk to your doctor to determine if you should take iodine drops. Your doctor can assess whether you have an iodine deficiency and, if so, whether iodine drops are the proper treatment plan for your specific circ*mstances.^[17] In addition, your doctor may also determine that you should take iodine drops to help treat thyroid cancer and fibrocystic breast disease, or to help protect your thyroid from radiation in the event of a nuclear emergency.^[18]

   • While iodine drops are available without a prescription, taking them without instructions from your doctor could put you at risk for developing hyperthyroidism, a condition that occurs when your thyroid produces too many hormones.^[19]
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   See Also

   Cayce's Two Iodines - Edgar Cayce Health Care

   Get a blood or urine test to check if your iodine levels are low. The only way to know for certain whether you have an iodine deficiency is for your doctor to perform a blood or urine test.^[20] After running the sample, your doctor will be able to definitively determine what your iodine levels are, and what you need to do to get them back to normal.

   • In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you avoid iodine supplements and instead, increase your iodine intake with food.

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