How to Treat Iodine Poisoning

Iodine is an element that occurs in small amounts in certain foods, especially seafood. Iodine poisoning can occur with medicines that contain large amounts of iodine, such as Amiodarone, Lugol's solution, Pima syrup and tincture of iodine. Patients receiving radioactive iodine for the treatment of thyroid disease also may receive an excessive exposure to iodine.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Identify the symptoms of iodine poisoning, including abdominal pain, coughing, diarrhea and fever. Some cases also can result in delirium, seizures and shock. Patients will frequently notice a metallic taste, and the urine output can cease completely in severe cases.

2. Note important information when calling emergency services. Provide the patient's approximate age, condition and weight. If you suspect iodine poisoning, determine the amount and time that it was swallowed.

3. Provide milk promptly and continue to give milk every 15 minutes if the patient can drink it. You can substitute cornstarch or flour mixed with water if milk is unavailable. Use this treatment only if the patient is alert and not convulsing or vomiting.

4. Treat iodine poisoning in an emergency room setting. Provide respiration support and treat the symptoms with medication as appropriate. Continue to provide milk and other fluids orally. More severe cases may require gastric lavage with a nasogastric tube. Activated charcoal also is effective in decontaminating the gastric contents.

5. Address complications of iodine poisoning, such as esophageal stricture. Death from iodine poisoning can occur but is unlikely.

Resources

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