Opinions vary as to the optimum dose schedule, but the author prefers to administer a large dose - 555mBq (15mCi) - to all patients, irrespective of gland size or the severity of hyperthyroidism. This renders some eighty per cent of patients hypothyroid within three months, but this is easily treated with replacement T4. If the patient remains hyperthyroid at four months, a further similar dose of radioiodine can be given. When ablative doses of radioiodine are administered, it is mandatory that the patient is followed up at monthly intervals, otherwise severe hypothyroidism may develop.
