Lugol's iodine
| Clinical data | |
|---|---|
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
| Routes of administration |
topical, by mouth |
| Identifiers | |
| Synonyms | potassium triiodide, Lugol's solution, aqueous iodine, strong iodine solution |
| CAS Number | 12298-68-9 |
| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | I3K |
| Molar mass | 419.812 |
Lugol's iodine, also known as aqueous iodine and strong iodine solution, is a medication and disinfectant used for a number of purposes. Taken by mouth it is used to treat thyrotoxicosis until surgery can be carried out, protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine, and to treat iodine deficiency. When applied to the cervix it is used to help in screening for cervical cancer. As a disinfectant it may be applied to small wounds such as a needle stick injury. A small amount may also be used for emergency disinfection of drinking water.
Side effects may include allergic reactions, headache, vomiting, and inflammation of the whites of the eyes. Long term use may result in trouble sleeping and depression. It should not typically be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Lugol's iodine is a liquid make up of two parts potassium iodide for every one part elemental iodine in water.
Lugol's iodine was first made in 1829 by the French physician Jean Lugol. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. Lugol's iodine is avaliable as a generic medication and over the counter. In the United Kingdom the NHS pays 9.57 pounds per 500 ml of solution.
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