Category

• Antihyperthyroid agent
• Antineoplastic

Description

Sodium iodide I 131, (SOE-dee-um EYE-oh-dyed) also called radioactive iodine or radioiodide, is a radiopharmaceutical ((ray-dee-oh-far-ma-SOO-ti-kal)) . Radiopharmaceuticals are radioactive agents, which may be used to diagnose some diseases by studying the function of the body's organs or to treat certain diseases.

Sodium iodide I 131 is used to treat an overactive thyroid gland and certain kinds of thyroid cancer. It is taken up mainly by the thyroid gland. In the treatment of hyperactive thyroid gland, radiation from the radioactive iodine damages the thyroid gland to bring its activity back down to normal. Larger doses of radioiodide are usually used after thyroid cancer surgery to destroy any remaining diseased thyroid tissue or to destroy thyroid cancer that has spread to other tissues.

When very small doses are given, a measure of the radioactivity taken up by the gland helps your doctor decide whether your thyroid gland is working properly. Also, an image of the organ on paper or a computer printout can be provided.

The information that follows applies only to the use of sodium iodide I 131 in treating an overactive or cancerous thyroid gland .

Sodium iodide I 131 is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor with specialized training in nuclear medicine or radiation oncology. It is available in the following dosage forms:

Oral
• Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
• Solution (U.S. and Canada)