Ipodate sodium

Ipodate sodium is an iodine-containing radiopaque contrast media used for X-rays. The drug is given intravenously and the resulting contrast allows for easy resolution of the blood vasculature. The drug goes by the trade name Oragrafin.

Other uses
Although not FDA approved, sodium ipodate has been used to treat Graves' Disease and Thyroid Storm, an extreme form of hyperthyroidism.

Grave's Disease
One study done by the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism showed that long-term treatment of Grave's disease with ipodate sodium (500 mg daily) reduced levels of T3 and T4 in the patients. This was done with minimal side effects, indicating possible clinical usefulness. Radioactive iodine treatment was also not effected, indicating concurrent usage with ipodate is feasible.

Thyroid Storm
In emergency situations, ipodate can be administered for thyroid storm. As the ipodate is metabolized, it releases iodine into circulation, helping bring the T3 and T4 levels back down. It is not considered a first-line approach, as potassium iodide and beta blockers have less potential for side-effects as well as FDA approval.