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Some Uses Of Lugols Iodine Solution

By Elaine Guthrie


Iodine is one of the most widely used elements both domestically and industrially. A French physician was the person to ever use lugols iodine solution in the year 1829. He prepared it by mixing elemental iodine with potassium iodide and dissolving in water. Today, the resultant compound is widely used in domestic and industrial application. Its use has been especially appreciated in scientific research. It is also known by other terms such as Markodine, iodine potassium iodide and Strong solution.

The compound is available in an over the counter form as an ointment, tincture or gel. This form is used as a disinfectant especially when dealing with minor injuries to the skin. When applied topically, it is commonly it is mixed with povidone to increase its effectiveness. The tincture is also known to be useful in emergency disinfection of water. The mechanism of action of the compound in this case is not clear.

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.

One of the earliest uses of the solution was the treatment of gout. With the discovery of better drugs, it has been dropped from the list of the commonly used drugs for the condition. The same trend has been witnessed in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. In the latter case, it has fallen out of favour due to its ability to inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis. This is termed the Wolff Chaikoff phenomenon.

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.

When used in excess, the compound may have some unwanted effects on the body. At low dilutions, it is said to have an irritating and corrosive effect on the stomach mucosa. This may be encountered when conducting endoscopic examinations. Generally, however, it is regarded as being safe.




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