The drug is given orally and the resulting contrast allows for easy resolution of the bile duct and gall bladder.
Although not FDA approved, ipodate sodium has been used to treat Graves' disease and thyroid storm, an extreme form of hyperthyroidism.
Long-term treatment of Graves' disease with ipodate sodium (500 mg, daily) given by mouth reduced levels of T3 and T4 in the patients.
Iodine uptake was also noted to return to normal within seven days, indicating control with ipodate with rapid follow up treatment with 131I is feasible.
As the ipodate is metabolized, it releases iodine into circulation, helping bring the T3 and T4 levels back down.