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Some Uses Of Lugols Iodine Solution

By Elaine Guthrie


Iodine, in its various forms, has numerous applications. It has been almost two centuries now since lugols iodine solution was first constituted. A brilliant French physician created the now popular compound by mixing potassium iodide with elemental iodine and dissolving them in water. It is possible to dilute it to various concentrations depending on the use. Other terms used to describe the solution include Strong solution, iodine potassium iodide and Markodine.

For topical use such as in the case of minor wounds on the skin there are several formulations available. The main types used include ointment, gel or tincture. Commonly, these formulations are mixed with another ingredient known as povidone which serves to increase the effectiveness. The tincture is also said to be effective in emergency disinfection of water. The mechanism of action is not clear in this case.

Lugols is widely used in biochemical experiments. The most notable is the testing of starch presence in organic molecules. When a compound containing starch is placed in the presence of iodine there is a characteristic blue black reaction. This is due to the interaction of the compound with polysaccharide molecules found in starch. A similar reaction is seen with a disease known as amyloidosis.

The compound is important in management of some types of cancers particularly cervical cancer. In this test, the solution is used to stain the entire cervix and part of the upper vagina. Normal tissues take the whole stain and appear dark brown when examined under a colposcope. The abnormal tissues do not stain entirely and appear paler. The pathologist selects these areas for taking of biopsies.

Patients suffering from Graves disease, a severe form of hyperthyroidism, may benefit from a small dose of the compound when undergoing surgery. It has been suggested by some experts that the compound may reduce blood loss associated with thyroidectomy. This effect is not seen in patients that have euthyroid hormone levels or in those on antithyroid medication.

In the early years of its discovery, the solution was an important treatment of gout. With scientific advancement over the years, it has fallen out of favour. The same fate has befallen it for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in which case it had been the first line drug for a long time. The main side effect associated with it was inhibition of thyroid hormone synthesis (also known as the Wolff Chaikoff effect).

The element iodine is required for the growth of macroalgae and coral reef inhabitants. As a result, it is widely used in the marine aquarium industry. The role of the solution is thought to be in the removal of unwanted parasites and bacteria. Other benefits include enhancement of polyp expansion and the prevention of coral bleaching in the presence of increased light intensity.

Excessive amounts of lugols may cause harm to body cells to varying extents. High concentrations have been reported to cause destruction of the stomach mucosa during endoscopic examination. However, it should be noted that these are rare incidences.




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