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.
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 solution is widely used in cervical cancer screening. In this test, it is applied on the vaginal wall and on the cervix under the exposure of an instrument known as a colposcope. Since normal vaginal and cervical tissues have a high amount of glycogen, they will stain brown. Abnormal or suspicious tissues do not stain adequately and appear paler. It is the light staining areas that are used to provide biopsy specimens for histological examination.
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.
For many years, Lugols was used in the treatment of gout. With the advent of newer and more effective therapies, it is no longer used as commonly. In the treatment of hyperthyroidism it was considered a first line therapy but has been dropped over time due to the side effect of inhibiting thyroid hormone effect (also known as Wolff Chaikoff effect). This often leads to hypothyroidism.
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.
In excessive levels Lugols may be harmful to the body. Undiluted solutions are both irritating and destructive to the mucosa particularly that of the stomach and the esophagus. This has been seen in some cases of endoscopic examination. Generally, however, it is considered to have low toxicity.
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 solution is widely used in cervical cancer screening. In this test, it is applied on the vaginal wall and on the cervix under the exposure of an instrument known as a colposcope. Since normal vaginal and cervical tissues have a high amount of glycogen, they will stain brown. Abnormal or suspicious tissues do not stain adequately and appear paler. It is the light staining areas that are used to provide biopsy specimens for histological examination.
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.
For many years, Lugols was used in the treatment of gout. With the advent of newer and more effective therapies, it is no longer used as commonly. In the treatment of hyperthyroidism it was considered a first line therapy but has been dropped over time due to the side effect of inhibiting thyroid hormone effect (also known as Wolff Chaikoff effect). This often leads to hypothyroidism.
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.
In excessive levels Lugols may be harmful to the body. Undiluted solutions are both irritating and destructive to the mucosa particularly that of the stomach and the esophagus. This has been seen in some cases of endoscopic examination. Generally, however, it is considered to have low toxicity.
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