Drug interactions
Iodine + Lithium
Severity: Moderate
Iodine and Lithium: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Lithium and iodine both inhibit thyroid hormone release, and together they may cause hypothyroidism or goiter. The risk depends on the iodine dose and duration.
What this interaction means in plain words
Iodine and Lithium can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Iodine belongs to Dermatology; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive inhibition of thyroid hormone synthesis and release.
What to do
Monitor TSH and free thyroxine at baseline and periodically during combined use. Replace thyroid hormone if clinically significant hypothyroidism occurs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Other interactions of Iodine
- Iodine + Methimazole Moderate
- Iodine + Propylthiouracil Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Iodine with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Iodine and Lithium can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Lithium and iodine both inhibit thyroid hormone release, and together they may cause hypothyroidism or goiter. The risk depends on the iodine dose and duration.
How serious is the interaction between Iodine and Lithium?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor TSH and free thyroxine at baseline and periodically during combined use. Replace thyroid hormone if clinically significant hypothyroidism occurs.
What other medicines interact with Lithium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lithium with, for example, Thioridazine, Vandetanib, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Lithium page.
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