Doctors prescribe iodine supplements and the diuretic medication spironolactone to treat different and unrelated conditions. Although you may have a disorder commonly treated with iodine and another disorder for which spironolactone is the treatment of choice, do not expect your doctor to prescribe both medications for concurrent use. This is due to a serious, even life-threatening, electrolyte imbalance, the risk of which increases if you take the two medications during the same time.
Iodine Supplements
Although your body needs iodine, it cannot produce the chemical. If your dietary intake of iodine is insufficient, a deficiency results. Because your thyroid gland relies on iodine for normal function, an iodine deficiency causes the thyroid to work harder, eventually leading to enlargement and impaired functioning of the gland. Medical professionals prescribe iodine supplements to treat and promote normal thyroid function, as well as to treat conditions such as fibrocystic breast disease, diabetes, diseases of the eye, heart disease and stroke.
Spironolactone
One indication for spironolactone treatment is hyperaldosteronism, an endocrine disorder associated with an imbalance of serum sodium and body water. Diseases of your liver, kidney and heart cause your body to retain excess water. In addition to being uncomfortable, water retention increases your body weight, causing your heart to work harder and increasing your risk of high blood pressure. Your body responds to spironolactone is elimination of excess body water.
Side Effects
Potential side effects of iodine supplementation include unusual fatigue and confusion. Acne, rash and swelling of your neck are also possible. You may also experience gastrointestinal bleeding, an irregular heart beat and weakness of your hands, feet and legs. Dizziness, stomach pain and skin rash are side effects of spironolactone. The same is true of decreased urination, restlessness and weakness of your muscles. Gas, nausea and vomiting are also associated with spironolactone therapy.
Iodine Supplement and Spirinolactone Interaction
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic medication that reduces the amount of potassium your body eliminates. For this reason, doctors prescribe the medication to treat a low serum potassium level. It is also for this reason that concurrent use of spironolactone and iodine supplements is contraindicated. Most iodine supplements contain potassium iodide, and simultaneous use of them with spironolactone potentially causes an increase of serum potassium that your body cannot manage. Your risk of developing the complication hyperkalemia increases. Hyperkalemia, or an excess amount of serum potassium, is serious, and in some cases fatal. For this reason, the benefits of taking iodine supplements and spironolactone to treat several conditions do not outweigh the risks.
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