Due to the serious war situation in Ukraine, people in the Czech Republic also feel threatened and fear a nuclear attack by Russia. In recent days, pharmacies have seen increased interest in iodine-containing products. Preventive use as protection against radioactivity is unnecessary and can be very dangerous. The use of iodine tablets only protects against the uptake of radioactive iodine in the thyroid gland, not against the effects of other radioactive substances. However, intake of large amounts of iodine can cause serious health risks. Therefore, iodine tablets for thyroid blockade should be used only on the explicit recommendation of the responsible authorities (Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, State Institute for Drug Control or State Office for Nuclear Safety).

The products available in pharmacies contain a minimal amount of iodine, yet their reckless use (especially any increase in dose) can have undesirable consequences. In case of overdose, brown mucous membranes, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea may occur. Dehydration and shock may occur. In rare cases, esophageal stenosis (narrowing) has been observed.

Symptoms of iodine poisoning may also occur:

• headache,
• salivary gland pain and swelling,
• fever and laryngitis,
• swelling or inflammation of the throat,
• gastrointestinal problems,
• diarrhea, etc.

Acute ingestion of pure iodine or its compounds in higher doses can cause gastrointestinal burns and kidney damage.

In addition, some people cannot take iodine for health reasons.

Contraindications to administration are:

• hypersensitivity to the active substance,
• hyperthyroidism,
• suspected thyroid cancer, etc.

Retrieved from the web portal of the Czech Chamber of Pharmacists and SÚKL statement, 7.3.2022