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.
For topical use such as in the case of minor wounds on the skin there are several formulations available. The main types used include ointment, gel or tincture. Commonly, these formulations are mixed with another ingredient known as povidone which serves to increase the effectiveness. The tincture is also said to be effective in emergency disinfection of water. The mechanism of action is not clear in this case.
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.
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.
In the marine and aquarium industry, the compound is vital for macroalgae growth and for the survival of coral reef inhabitants. This effect is believed to be the result of a reduction in the number of unwanted bacteria and parasites within the same habitat. The other major benefit is the expansion of polyps and prevention of coral bleaching in instances where the light intensity is abnormally high.
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.
For topical use such as in the case of minor wounds on the skin there are several formulations available. The main types used include ointment, gel or tincture. Commonly, these formulations are mixed with another ingredient known as povidone which serves to increase the effectiveness. The tincture is also said to be effective in emergency disinfection of water. The mechanism of action is not clear in this case.
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.
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.
In the marine and aquarium industry, the compound is vital for macroalgae growth and for the survival of coral reef inhabitants. This effect is believed to be the result of a reduction in the number of unwanted bacteria and parasites within the same habitat. The other major benefit is the expansion of polyps and prevention of coral bleaching in instances where the light intensity is abnormally high.
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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