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.
Markodine is available as an over the counter formulations such as gels, tinctures and ointments. These formulations are mainly designed for topical use where there is a need to disinfect minor skin injuries. It is common to mix the iodine with another ingredient known as povidone so as to increase the effectiveness. Another major application is the use in disinfection of water especially in emergency situation.
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 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.
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.
Markodine is available as an over the counter formulations such as gels, tinctures and ointments. These formulations are mainly designed for topical use where there is a need to disinfect minor skin injuries. It is common to mix the iodine with another ingredient known as povidone so as to increase the effectiveness. Another major application is the use in disinfection of water especially in emergency situation.
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 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.
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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