Ipodate sodium (sodium iopodate) is an

iodine Iodine is a chemical element with the symbol I and atomic number 53. The heaviest of the stable halogens, it exists as a semi-lustrous, non-metallic solid at standard conditions 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 radiop ...

used for

X-ray An X-ray, or, much less commonly, X-radiation, is a penetrating form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation. Most X-rays have a wavelength ranging from 10 picometers to 10 nanometers, corresponding to frequencies in the range 30&nb ...

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 (german: Morbus Basedow), also known as toxic diffuse goiter, 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 thyr ...

and

thyroid storm The thyroid, or thyroid gland, is an endocrine gland in vertebrates. In humans it is in the neck and consists of two connected lobes. The lower two thirds of the lobes are connected by a thin band of tissue called the thyroid isthmus. The thy ...

, 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 us ...

and

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

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 Iodoarenes Salts of carboxylic acids