Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Aqueous Iodine Oral Solution BP
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Iodine, Potassium iodide may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
How to take it
this medicine
Product Title
(iodine, potassium iodide)
1. What the medicine is for
MHRA Header Box
Aqueous Iodine Oral Solution
Possible side effects
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you or your child are….
Adults, the elderly and children
- Measure 0.1 – 0.3ml in a small 1ml syringe and add it to the water or milk.
- Repeat three times a day for 6 days.
- Take extra care when giving this medicine to children.
Data Matrix: 22647308 VERIFIED
Do not use the medicine if you or your child have….
Do not take….
- For longer than 6 days before the operation unless the doctor tells you to do so. See section 3.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Now read the rest of the leaflet before you use this medicine. It includes other information which might be especially important for you.
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- Ask your pharmacist if you need any more information or advice.
- If you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
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2. Before you use this medicine
- The normal dose is given below but your doctor may prescribe a different amount for you. Always follow the instructions given by the doctor or pharmacist.
- Each time you take this medicine, dilute it in a glass of water or milk and drink it all straight away.
Aqueous Iodine Oral Solution
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Important information about Aqueous Iodine Oral Solution
- This medicine is taken before an operation to correct an overactive thyroid gland. The doctor will decide how much you should take and how often.
Aqueous Iodine Oral Solution is taken before an operation to correct an overactive thyroid gland. It helps reduce the risk of bleeding during the operation.
Frequently asked questions about Aqueous Iodine Oral Solution BP
How do I take Aqueous Iodine Oral Solution BP?
Aqueous Iodine Oral Solution BP comes as oral solution. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
What is the active substance in Aqueous Iodine Oral Solution BP?
The active substance in Aqueous Iodine Oral Solution BP is iodine, potassium iodide.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Aqueous Iodine Oral Solution BP, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Aqueous Iodine Oral Solution BP without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: iodine, potassium iodide
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
For use in the pre-operative management of hyperthyroidism.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Oral.Dose: adults, children and the elderly: 0.1 – 0.3ml well diluted in milk or water.Dosage schedule: to be taken three times a day for six days.
4.3. Contraindications
Contraindicated for patients hypersensitive to iodine or iodides, and use in pregnancy and lactation.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
Should not be used for long term treatment.Dispensing pack-not for retail sale.Keep all medicines away from children.Use with caution in children.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Administration of this product may interfere with tests of thyroid function.
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Not to be used during pregnancy and lactation. Iodides cross the placenta and are excreted in breast milk. There is a possibility of goitre in infants of mothers taking iodides.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
None known.
4.8. Undesirable effects
May cause allergic reactions, including urticaria, angioedema, cutaneous haemorrhage or purpuras, fever, arthralgia, lymphadenopathy and eosinophilia, coryza-like symptoms, headache, lachrymation, conjunctivitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, and pain in the salivary glands. In addition to the above, use may lead to adverse effects on the mouth such as metallic taste, increased salivation, burning or pain. Swelling and inflammation of the throat, acneform skin disorders, depression, insomnia, impotence and diarrhoea (which may be bloody) can also result. Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
4.9. Overdose
Symptoms of acute poisoning from ingestion of iodine include a disagreeable metallic taste, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea may occur. Renal failure may occur 1-3 days later. Death may be caused by circulatory failure, swelling of the epiglottis causing asphyxia, aspiration, pneumonia or pulmonary oedema. Oesophageal stricture may occur if the patient survives the acute stage. The fatal dose of iodine is 2 to 3g. Symptomatic treatment for allergic reactions and iodism may be required, although symptoms usually subside rapidly when administration of iodine or iodide is stopped. In acute poisoning copious draughts of milk and starch mucilage should be given. If there is no oesophageal damage the stomach may be emptied by aspiration and lavage with dilute starch mucilage or a 1% solution of sodium thiosulphate, Use of gastric lavage with activated charcoal has also been suggested. Electrolyte and water losses should be replaced and the circulation should be maintained. Pethidine or morphine sulphate may be given for pain, under medical supervision. A tracheotomy may become necessary.
🇵🇱 Known in Poland as
Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako
⚠ Not the same combination. This medicine contains Iodine, Potassium iodide. The products below do not contain exactly the same set of active substances — they are not direct substitutes.
- Blockade partial — not the same combinationIodine · taken by mouth
Some of these do not contain exactly the same active substances — check each one. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Aqueous Iodine Oral Solution BP. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.