Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg is a dietary supplement by Seeking Health with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for preventing iodine deficiency, supporting thyroid hormone production, general energy and metabolism support.Based on those ingredients, 7 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Iodine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg by Seeking Health
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg by Seeking Health — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg by Seeking Health
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains one active ingredient: potassium iodide, a form of iodine at 12.5 mg per capsule. The remaining ingredients — microcrystalline cellulose, a vegetarian capsule, coconut oil powder, and silicon dioxide — are inactive ingredients that make up the capsule structure and help deliver the iodine.
Does it work?
Strong evidence
The iodine in this product is rated likely effective for preventing radiation exposure and treating iodine deficiency. It's also rated possibly effective for oral mucositis (mouth sores) and periodontitis (gum disease), though the evidence is less established for these uses.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Iodine is well tolerated when taken in normal dietary amounts, but high doses can cause thyroid problems — that's the main caution. In pregnancy, adequate iodine is important for the baby's development, but you should use only the amount your doctor recommends and avoid high-dose products.
During breastfeeding, some iodine passes into breast milk, so follow your doctor's guidance on dosing. Common side effects at higher intakes include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal upset, metallic taste, headache, and goiter (thyroid enlargement).
Rare but serious hypersensitivity reactions — including anaphylaxis, angioedema, and rash — have been reported in some people.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking this product, check with your pharmacist if you take lithium, antithyroid drugs (like methimazole or PTU), or amiodarone — all carry Moderate interactions with iodine. Thyroid function monitoring is recommended for all three.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
This iodine supplement is useful if you're iodine deficient or need thyroid protection after radiation exposure. Be careful if you take lithium, antithyroid drugs, or amiodarone — all three need thyroid monitoring with iodine.
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any thyroid condition.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 25, 2020.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Seeking Health |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 828054179592 |
| Net contents | 90 Vegetarian Capsules |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Jan 25, 2020 |
| DSLD ID | 210954 |
| Product type | Mineral |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten Free, Dairy Free |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg by Seeking Health, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Iodine | 12.5 mg | 8333% |
| Potassium Iodide | 7.5 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetarian Capsule, Coconut Oil powder, Silicon Dioxide
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested Use: 1 capsule daily with food or as directed by your health care professional.
Formula
Optimal Iodine provides bene? cial forms of iodine, an essential trace element. Each capsule supplies 12.5 mg total iodine (equivalent to 12,500 mcg).
Storage
Storage: Do not use if shrinkwrap is broken or missing. Store in a cool, dry place below 85 degrees F away from direct light. Do not freeze.
Precautions
Keep out of reach of children.
Warning: This product is not intended for long-term daily use. Use only as directed under the supervision of a doctor.
Do not use this product if you are pregnant or nursing.
This product is not intended for children below the age of 18 years.
If you have a thyroid or other medical condition, or are taking prescription medications, consult your doctor before using this product. Thyroid function should be closely monitored by your doctor while using this product.
Keep out of reach of children.
General Statements
Produced under a strict quality management system in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and third-party quality certifications. Find other effective products at: www.seekinghealth.com Physician Formulated
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Formulation
Does Not Contain: milk/casein, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, wheat, gluten, soybeans, and yeast. Contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg by Seeking Health label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg by Seeking Health
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.
Iodine
Interacts with7 drugs
Iodine is an essential mineral your body needs to make thyroid hormones, and most people get enough from iodized salt, dairy, and seafood. Supplements...
Iodine monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetarian Capsule, Coconut Oil powder, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg by Seeking Health Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Optimal Iodine by Seeking Health contains potassium iodide, which has documented interactions with several medication types.
The most serious concern is with lithium (used for mood disorders), where combining them may have additive effects on thyroid function — both can lower it. Case reports suggest this combination reduces thyroid activity in otherwise healthy people, so thyroid function needs monitoring if you take both.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Antithyroid drugs (used to treat overactive thyroid) may also have altered effects when combined with this iodine product. High-dose iodine can trigger either an overactive or underactive thyroid depending on your history, so timing and dose matter.
Similarly, amiodarone (Cordarone), a heart rhythm medication that's already 37% iodine by weight, could lead to excessive iodine levels if you add this supplement — again, thyroid function should be monitored.
Altogether, these interactions span 7 individual medications. Use the medication checker on this page to see if any of your prescriptions are affected before you start.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg interact with 7 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Iodine
AmiodaroneCordarone, Pacerone
How Amiodarone interacts with Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Potassium IodideAmiodarone (cordarone) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining iodine with amiodarone might cause excessively high iodine levels.
Read the full Potassium Iodide + Amiodarone interactionCarbimazoleNeo-Mercazole
How Carbimazole interacts with Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Potassium IodideAntithyroid Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Iodine might alter the effects of antithyroid drugs.
Read the full Potassium Iodide + Carbimazole interactionLithium Carbonate (prescription Drug)Eskalith, Lithium Carbonate
How Lithium Carbonate (prescription Drug) interacts with Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Potassium IodideLithium Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining iodine with lithium might have additive hypothyroid effects.
Read the full Potassium Iodide + Lithium Carbonate (prescription Drug) interactionMethenamine MandelateMandelamine, Methimazole
How Methenamine Mandelate interacts with Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Potassium IodideAntithyroid Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Iodine might alter the effects of antithyroid drugs.
Read the full Potassium Iodide + Methenamine Mandelate interactionMethimazoleTapazole
How Methimazole interacts with Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Potassium IodideAntithyroid Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Iodine might alter the effects of antithyroid drugs.
Read the full Potassium Iodide + Methimazole interactionPotassium Iodide (prescription Drug)Thyro-Block
How Potassium Iodide (prescription Drug) interacts with Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Potassium IodideAntithyroid Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Iodine might alter the effects of antithyroid drugs.
Read the full Potassium Iodide + Potassium Iodide (prescription Drug) interactionPropylthiouracil, PtuPropylthiouracil
How Propylthiouracil, Ptu interacts with Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Potassium IodideAntithyroid Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Iodine might alter the effects of antithyroid drugs.
Read the full Potassium Iodide + Propylthiouracil, Ptu interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Iodine
Amiodarone (Cordarone)
Combining iodine with amiodarone might cause excessively high iodine levels.
Amiodarone contains 37.3% iodine and can increase iodine levels. Concomitant use with iodine might increase the risk of having excessive iodine levels and adversely affecting thyroid function. Monitor thyroid function.
Antithyroid Drugs
Iodine might alter the effects of antithyroid drugs.
Iodine in high doses has been reported to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the individual's past medical history. Taking iodine while using antithyroid drugs could alter the effects of the antithyroid drugs.
Lithium
Combining iodine with lithium might have additive hypothyroid effects.
Lithium can inhibit thyroid function. Several case reports suggest that concomitant use of lithium and potassium iodide can reduce thyroid function in otherwise healthy adults. Monitor thyroid function.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg, from the product label.
Seeking Health
See all Seeking Health products- Name
- Seeking Health, LLC
- Street Address
- 3140 Mercer Ave
- City
- Bellingham
- State
- WA
- ZipCode
- 98225
- Phone Number
- (800) 547-9812
- Web Address
- www.seekinghealth.com
Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg by Seeking Health: Common Questions
Does Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg by Seeking Health interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Is this safe to take if I'm pregnant?
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
What's the difference between iodine deficiency and iodine allergy?
What side effects might I notice?
Does this prevent thyroid disease?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Optimal Iodine 12.5 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 26 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Iodine 26 references
- McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
- Goodman GA, Rall TW, Nies AS, Taylor P. The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed.
- Ghent WR, Eskin BA, Low DA, Hill LP. Iodine replacement in fibrocystic disease of the breast. Can J Surg 1993;36:453-60.
- Potassium iodide for nuclear exposure. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter 2001;17(12):171214.
- Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
- Cabezas C, Bustamante B, Holgado W, Begue RE. Treatment of cutaneous sporotrichosis with one daily dose of potassium iodide. Pediatr Infect Dis J 1996;15:352-4. PubMed
- Sterling JB, Heymann WR. Potassium iodide in dermatology: a 19th century drug for the 21st century-uses, pharmacology, adverse effects, and contraindications. J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;43:691-7. PubMed
- Yarrington CD, Pearce EN. Dietary iodine in pregnancy and postpartum. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2011;54:459-70. PubMed
- Goel, S., Mandhani, A., Srivastava, A., Kapoor, R., Gogoi, S., Kumar, A., and Bhandari, M. Is povidone iodine an alternative to silver nitrate for renal pelvic instillation sclerotherapy in chyluria? BJU.Int 2004;94(7):1082-1085. PubMed
- Teng, W., Shan, Z., Teng, X., Guan, H., Li, Y., Teng, D., Jin, Y., Yu, X., Fan, C., Chong, W., Yang, F., Dai, H., Yu, Y., Li, J., Chen, Y., Zhao, D., Shi, X., Hu, F., Mao, J., Gu, X., Yang, R., Tong, Y., Wang, W., Gao, T., and Li, C. Effect of iodine int
- Crawford, B. A., Cowell, C. T., Emder, P. J., Learoyd, D. L., Chua, E. L., Sinn, J., and Jack, M. M. Iodine toxicity from soy milk and seaweed ingestion is associated with serious thyroid dysfunction. Med J Aust. 10-4-2010;193(7):413-415. PubMed
- Ohkuma, M. Molluscum contagiosum treated with iodine solution and salicylic acid plaster. Int J Dermatol. 1990;29(6):443-445. PubMed
- Connelly KJ, Boston BA, Pearce EN, Sesser D, Snyder D, Braverman LE, Pino S, LaFranchi SH. Congenital hypothyroidism caused by excess prenatal maternal iodine ingestion. J Pediatr. 2012 Oct;161(4):760-2. PubMed
- Kasahara T, Narumi S, Okasora K, Takaya R, Tamai H, Hasegawa T. Delayed onset congenital hypothyroidism in a patient with DUOX2 mutations and maternal iodine excess. Am J Med Genet A. 2013 Jan;161A(1):214-7.
- Murcia M, Rebagliato M, Iñiguez C, Lopez-Espinosa MJ, Estarlich M, Plaza B, Barona-Vilar C, Espada M, Vioque J, Ballester F. Effect of iodine supplementation during pregnancy on infant neurodevelopment at 1 year of age. Am J Epidemiol. 2011 Apr 1;173(7):8 PubMed
- Sang Z, Wang PP, Yao Z, Shen J, Halfyard B, Tan L, Zhao N, Wu Y, Gao S, Tan J, Liu J, Chen Z, Zhang W. Exploration of the safe upper level of iodine intake in euthyroid Chinese adults: a randomized double-blind trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Feb;95(2):367-73 PubMed
- Speeckaert MM, Speeckaert R, Wierckx K, Delanghe JR, Kaufman JM. Value and pitfalls in iodine fortification and supplementation in the 21st century. Br J Nutr. 2011 Oct;106(7):964-73. PubMed
- Yun SE, Kang Y, Bae EJ, Hwang K, Jang HN, Cho HS, Chang SH, Park DJ. Iodine-induced thyrotoxic hypokalemic paralysis after ingestion of Salicornia herbace. Ren Fail. 2014 Apr;36(3):461-3.
- Iodine Hypersensitivity. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter 2011; 27(5):270504.
- Hammel JA, Selby JC. Pustular eruption in a patient with cancer treated with complementary and alternative medicine. JAMA Dermatology 2017 October; E1. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.3749. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed
- Gil GS, Smith BW, Guerra JR, Williams WT. Acute Delirium in a Hypothyroid Patient Precipitated by Iodine Supplements Use. Am J Ther. 2018;25(6):e717-e718. PubMed
- Hamby T, Kunnel N, Dallas JS, Wilson DP. Maternal iodine excess: an uncommon cause of acquired neonatal hypothyroidism. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2018;31(9):1061-1064. PubMed
- Censi S, Watutantrige-Fernando S, Groccia G, et al. The Effects of Iodine Supplementation in Pregnancy on Iodine Status, Thyroglobulin Levels and Thyroid Function Parameters: Results from a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial in a Mild-to-Moderate Iodine
- Rovner MS, Wolf BJ, Rubin M, et al. Instillation of 5% Povidone-Iodine Ophthalmic Drops Decreases the Respiratory Rate in Children Undergoing Strabismus Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2019;56(6):378-382. PubMed
- Guenezan J, Garcia M, Strasters D, et al. Povidone Iodine Mouthwash, Gargle, and Nasal Spray to Reduce Nasopharyngeal Viral Load in Patients With COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2021;147(4):400-401. PubMed
- Li F, Wan S, Zhang L, et al. A Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Iodine Excess on the Intellectual Development of Children in Areas with High Iodine Levels in their Drinking Water. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022;200(4):1580-1590. PubMed
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC