Iodine is available in many different forms. Since it was first prepared in1829 by a French physician, Lugols iodine solution, continues to play a major role in scientific research and everyday use. The solution is prepared by dissolving elemental iodine and the compound potassium iodide in water. It is diluted to various concentrations depending on the intended use. It is also known as iodine potassium iodide Markodine or 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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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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