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The Various 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.

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.

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.

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.

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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