What are the adverse reactions of iodine agents?

Under normal circumstances, various adverse reactions may occur during the use of iodine agents, mainly including thyroid dysfunction, allergic reactions, local irritation symptoms, gastrointestinal discomfort, and neurological symptoms. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Thyroid dysfunction: Iodine is a raw material for synthesizing thyroid hormones. Excessive or long-term use can easily interfere with thyroid function. It may induce hyperthyroidism, manifesting as palpitations, excessive sweating, weight loss, and emotional excitability; it may also lead to hypothyroidism, presenting with fatigue, cold intolerance, drowsiness, and decreased appetite.

2. Allergic reactions: This is a relatively common adverse effect of iodine agents, varying widely in severity. Mild cases may present with skin itching, erythema, or urticaria; moderate reactions may involve angioneurotic edema, such as swelling of the eyelids or lips; severe cases can trigger anaphylactic shock, characterized by difficulty breathing and decreased blood pressure.

3. Local irritation symptoms: Topical iodine agents may irritate the skin or mucous membranes, causing redness, burning sensation, or stinging at the application site. Prolonged use may lead to dry, flaky skin. During contrast imaging procedures, some patients may experience pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, and in some cases, even develop local phlebitis.

4. Gastrointestinal discomfort: Oral iodine administration often causes gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Some patients may also experience a bitter taste or metallic taste in the mouth. These symptoms are related to iodine-induced irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa and altered gastrointestinal motility, and are typically most noticeable during the initial phase of treatment.

5. Neurological symptoms: These are mostly mild reactions, including dizziness, headache, fatigue, and restlessness. A minority of patients may experience insomnia or difficulty concentrating. These symptoms are generally associated with mild stimulation of the central nervous system by iodine and usually resolve spontaneously after discontinuation of the drug.

The use of iodine agents must strictly follow medical instructions regarding dosage and duration. Prior to administration, a patient’s history of allergies and thyroid function should be carefully evaluated. Iodine agents should be stored properly in daily life to prevent accidental ingestion by children. When used topically, avoid application on broken or damaged mucous membranes to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.