Sodium Iodide I 131 (Therapeutic)
Category- Antihyperthyroid agent
- Antineoplastic
DescriptionSodium 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)
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