Ipodate sodium (sodium iopodate) is an

iodine Iodine is a chemical element; it has symbol I and atomic number 53. The heaviest of the stable halogens, it exists at standard conditions as a semi-lustrous, non-metallic solid that melts to form a deep violet liquid at , and boils to a vi ...

-containing radiopaque

contrast media A contrast agent (or contrast medium) is a substance used to increase the contrast of structures or fluids within the body in medical imaging. Contrast agents absorb or alter external electromagnetism or ultrasound, which is different from radio ...

used for

X-ray An X-ray (also known in many languages as Röntgen radiation) is a form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than those of ultraviolet rays and longer than those of gamma rays. Roughly, X-rays have a wavelength ran ...

s. The drug is given orally and the resulting contrast allows for easy resolution of the bile duct and gall bladder.

Other uses

Although not FDA approved, ipodate sodium has been used to treat

Graves' disease Graves' disease, also known as toxic diffuse goiter or Basedow's disease, is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid. It frequently results in and is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It also often results in an enlarged thyro ...

and

thyroid storm Thyroid storm is a rare but severe and life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism. It occurs when an overactive thyroid leads to hypermetabolism, which can cause death from cardiac arrest or multiple organ failure. It is characterized by ...

, an extreme form of hyperthyroidism.

Graves' disease

Long-term treatment of Graves' disease with ipodate sodium (500 mg, daily) given by mouth reduced levels of T3 and T4 in the patients. This was done with minimal side effects, indicating possible clinical usefulness. Iodine uptake was also noted to return to normal within seven days, indicating control with ipodate with rapid follow up treatment with ¹³¹I is feasible.

Thyroid storm

In emergency situations, ipodate can be administered for

. As the ipodate is metabolized, it releases iodine into circulation, helping bring the T3 and T4 levels back down. Ipodate also inhibits the conversion of T4 to T3 (which is more potent). It is not considered a first-line approach, as

potassium iodide Potassium iodide is a chemical compound, medication, and dietary supplement. It is a medication used for treating hyperthyroidism, in radiation emergencies, and for protecting the thyroid gland when certain types of radiopharmaceuticals are u ...

and

beta blocker Beta blockers, also spelled β-blockers, are a class of medications that are predominantly used to manage abnormal heart rhythms ( arrhythmia), and to protect the heart from a second heart attack after a first heart attack ( secondary prevention ...

s have less potential for side-effects. Ipodate sodium lacks FDA approval for this use.

References

{{Thyroid hormone receptor modulators Organic sodium salts Radiocontrast agents Amidines Iodobenzene derivatives Salts of carboxylic acids