Iodized oil

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Iodized oil, also known as ethiodized oil or Lipiodol, is made from poppyseed oil and iodine. It comes in several forms and is used for imaging, iodine supplementation, and certain medical procedures.

What it is used for
- Imaging contrast: When injected, it acts as a radiopaque contrast agent to outline structures during radiology procedures.
- Iodine supplementation: Taken orally or by intramuscular injection once or twice a year in remote areas to help prevent iodine deficiency and goiter. A typical oral capsule provides about 190 mg of iodine.
- Goiter prevention: A long-acting way to store iodine in the body, often preferred in areas where iodized salt alone isn’t enough.
- Other medical uses: Used as a diluent that does not affect the polymerization of cyanoacrylate in gastric variceal treatment; used in certain liver cancer treatments as part of chemoembolization.
- Lymphatic imaging: Lipiodol can be used for lymphangiography (imaging of the lymphatic system).

How it’s given
- By injection for imaging.
- Orally or by intramuscular injection (usually once or twice yearly) for iodine supplementation and goiter prevention.

Safety and cautions
- There is a risk that the oil could enter the venous system and cause embolism (clots traveling to the brain or lungs). A boxed warning highlights this risk.
- Not recommended for hysterosalpingography during pregnancy.
- In some forms used for cancer treatment, the oil helps keep anticancer drugs near the tumor, but certain radioactive versions (like I-131 Lipiodol) carry significant embolism risks and are not suitable for all patients.

History and status
- First made in 1901; identified as a useful radiocontrast in 1921.
- Revived as a tool against iodine deficiency and later used in goiter eradication campaigns.
- Listed by the World Health Organization as an essential medicine in liquid and capsule forms.
- Lipiodol and related products have evolved over time, with brand names including Lipiodol Ultra Fluide, Ethiodol, and Vividol. Some older products were discontinued, and new ones have emerged in different markets.

Other oils and variants
- In addition to Lipiodol, other iodized oils have been produced using different oils (such as rapeseed, peanut, walnut, and soybean oils), which can offer varying durations of iodine protection.

In short, iodized oil is a versatile, long-acting source of iodine and a useful imaging contrast, kept in use in some remote areas and in specific radiology and cancer treatment contexts, with important safety considerations.