Iodine overdose

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

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Iodine overdose

Definition:

Poisoning from an overdose of iodine.

Poisonous Ingredient:

iodine

Where Found:

Tincture of iodine
Lugol's solution
Pima syrup
Amiodarone (Cordarone)
Radiographic contrast
Potassium iodide (SSKI)
Iodinated glycerol (organidin)

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms:

body as a whole
- shock
- thirst
- metallic taste
- fever
- no urine output
- mouth and throat pain
gastrointestinal
nervous system
- delirium
- stupor
- seizures
respiratory
- coughing
- shortness of breath

Home Treatment:

If you are concerned about iodine poisoning, go to your nearest emergency room or call poison control for guidance.

DO NOT induce vomiting.
Give milk, cornstarch, or flour by mouth (15 gm in 500 ml, or just over a pint of water).
Continue to give milk every 15 minutes.

Before Calling Emergency:

Determine the following information:

the patient's age, weight, and condition
the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
the time it was swallowed
the amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number:

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the person to the hospital. See poison control centers for the emergency telephone number. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room:

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

Perform gastric lavage.
Administer activated charcoal
Give milk with fluids.
Establish and maintain airway.
Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

The chance of survival depends on the extent of the poisoning and how long it took to begin treatment. Esophageal stricture is a possible complication. Death is possible, though unlikely.

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