Iodinated Glycerol, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: iodinated glycerol, oral; Iophen; Par-Glycerol; R-Gen

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to help thin mucus secretions in the lungs and airways to treat breathing problems. This makes breathing easier.

How do I take it?

This medicine comes in tablet, liquid, and drop forms. All are swallowed. Drink a full glass of water (8 ounces) after each dose.

The liquid and drops may be mixed with water or other liquid.

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your health care provider.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

Your health care provider will want to see you regularly to check your progress.

Do not take this medicine for any other condition unless your health care provider approves.

This medicine may interfere with thyroid function tests. Be sure to tell your health care provider that you are taking this medicine before any thyroid tests.

Females of childbearing age: Do not take this medicine during pregnancy or while you are breast-feeding.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Headache, joint pain, rash, metallic taste, sore throat.

Other: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• antithyroid agents such as propylthiouracil and methimazole (Tapazole)
• lithium (Lithonate, Lithobid, Lithotabs, Eskalith).

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.