Iodine

[Flipper22]

Can anyone confirm what type of iodine is used in levothyroxine? I use povidone iodine (diluted) on my dog sometimes for itchy skin from mowed grass. After much research one site listed active ingredient in Levothyroxine as povidone iodine? Povidone I always thought was what medical staff use as topical antibacterial reasons. Why are we ingesting a form of iodine not recommended for ingestion? Lugols and some other oral brands have a very small amount of povidone iodine...I was just wondering why this is? Thanks.

[helvella Administrator]

Are you absolutely sure? Did it not just say "povidone"?

This was asked some time ago and the answer was that povidone was used as in ingredient - not povidone iodine. But quickly scanning a list, it is easy to miss the difference.

The other iodine content of levothyroxine is simply the atoms that constitute levothyroxine. Four atoms of iodine in each molecule of levothyroxine.

[Flipper22 in reply to helvella]

Thanks for reply hel...

I was looking at posts from 'inspire.com'

One post stated:

I asked the mail order pharmacy, where I get my medications, including L- thyroxine (synthroid) contained iodine or red dye. I was told that the L- thyroxine contained Povidine (iodine)."

Another post stated "povidine free levo" is available.

These posts date back to 2009. It's all a bit confusing trying to pin down exact compounds in Levothyroxine!

Was also wondering about GMO in corn starch fillers?

Thanks. This site is so informative...makes you feel you're not alone!

I take 50 Levo.

[Flipper22 in reply to Flipper22]

Povidone*

[Treepie in reply to Flipper22]

Look up Povidone in Wiki .Then look up Povidone -iodine.

The former is used as a binder that ( according to Wiki) passes through us.

[Flipper22 in reply to Treepie]

Thanks Treepie

Doh...that will be my first port of call from now on!

[helvella Administrator in reply to Flipper22]

I think that poster has made a simple mistake.