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The Various Uses Of Lugols Iodine Solution

dimanche 7 juin 2015

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 has a characteristic reaction in the presence of starch which is widely available in many organic compounds. When it interacts with the polysaccharides that make up starch molecules there is a blue black colour change and this is considered a positive reaction. For this reason, the solution is used in a number of biochemical experiments. The same reaction is seen when testing for a condition known as amyloidosis in living cells.

In medical practice there is extensive use of the solution in management of cancer patients. It is particularly important in screening for cervical cancer. Staining of the cervix and upper vaginal wall is done under examination done using an instrument known as a colposcope. The normal tissues stain deeply with the brown colour while the suspicious areas remain paler. Biopsy specimens are taken from the paler areas.

Markodine is used in the management of selected patients with Graves disease as they undergo surgery (thyroidectomy). Graves disease is a severe form of hyperthyroidism. It has been established through research that when administered intraoperatively, the solution reduces the amount of blood loss. This benefit may not be seen in patients whose thyroid function is normal or those that are 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).

Macroalgae require elemental iodine for growth and survival. The element is also important for other coral reef inhabitants. For these reasons, it is heavily used in the maintenance of marine ecosystems. Its effects are mainly due to its ability to significantly reduce the number of harmful bacteria and parasites. The other major benefits are the prevention of coral reef bleaching and polyp expansion.

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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