Lugol's fluid became more widely known due to the disaster of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986. At that time, it was drunk to prevent the thyroid from absorbing the radioactive iodine isotope. Currently, some people try to take this drug "prophylactically" on their own, which may do more harm than good. How does Lugol's fluid work? What are the side effects of its use? What are the contraindications?

Lugol's solutionis an aqueous solution of iodine and potassium iodide, in which iodine is 1 percent. by volume, potassium iodide 2%, and the remaining 97%. distilled water. Lugol's fluid was developed by the French physician Jean Lugol in 1829, but the preparation became more widely known in Poland only in 1986, due to the disaster of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

ThenLugol's liquidwas given (especially to children) to protect against the dangers of the radioactive cloud. Indeed, some felt the positive effects of the preparation, but there are people who associate the consumption of Lugol's solution with the development of numerous diseases, including with thyroid cancer.

Lugol's liquidavailable in pharmacies without a prescription is not intended for consumption! It is a crude mixture that can only be used externally! Taking this type of preparation may lead to gastrointestinal disorders or various types of allergies.

The consumption of edibleLugol's liquid(intended for drinking) may only be recommended by a doctor, and its preparation is the sole responsibility of the pharmacist. Specialists point out that parents should not buy iodine and makeLugol's liquidon their own, and then give it to their children. Independent experiments may end tragically.

Lugol's liquid - application

Lugol's solutionhas a bactericidal effect, therefore it can be used externally to disinfect the skin, skin abrasions, minor scratches and wound edges.

Low concentrations ofLugol's solutioncan be used for gargling.

FoodLugol's solutioncan be used in the treatment of thyroid diseases - in order to inhibit or increase the secretion of thyroid hormones. For example, in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis and in some with dyshormonogenesis (inherited disorders of the hormone synthesisthyroid gland), inorganic iodine inhibits the synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (Wolff-Chaikoff effect).

The preparation is also administered 7-10 days before the strumectomy, which is a radical method of treating hyperthyroidism (it consists in removing the entire thyroid gland or only its fragment).

Lugol's solutionis also prescribed to patients before the scintigraphic examination. Then such a liquid is taken in a diluted form - it is usually recommended to dissolve 5 drops of the liquid in 1 glass of water (200 ml).

In addition, an aqueous solution of iodine and potassium iodide is used in tests for the presence of starch. When added to liquids containing this compound, it changes their color to violet-black, and at low concentrations to blue-violet.

Lugol's fluid and radiation after a nuclear power plant accident

Lugol's fluidafter the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster was supposed to prevent the thyroid from trapping the radioactive iodine isotope from radioactive fallout. A large dose of iodine, which is delivered with the fluid, causes the thyroid gland to no longer be able to absorb the radioactive element. This is very important because if the thyroid gland absorbs large amounts of this isotope, thyroid cancer may develop.

It is worth knowing that scientists who recommended the use ofLugol's fluidin 1986 admit years later that they would not have made the same decision today, because it is now known that there was no such needs - the scale of the contamination was simply too low. This opinion is shared by prof. Zbigniew Jaworowski, professor of medical sciences, in 1986 a member of the Polish Government Commission for the Effects of the Chernobyl Disaster.

Lugol's solution - side effects

DrinkingLugol's liquid"just in case" can harm your he alth, because iodine is not indifferent to the body. The permissible dose must not be exceeded, as this may activate the thyroid gland and lead to its hyperfunction. This is the main side effect that can occur after drinkingLugol's . It should be noted that in some cases, hyperthyroidism can be life-threatening (this applies, among others, to people with cardiovascular diseases).

The use of preparations with iodine in some cases may also cause treatment-resistant iodine acne, local or general allergy.

In turn, the consumption of high doses of iodine in patients with endemic goiter may lead to the development of thyrotoxicosis (excess thyroid hormones in the body).

It is worth knowing that the topical application ofLugol's solutionin people who are hypersensitive to iodine may result in:

  • irritation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa
  • dermatitis with blisters
  • itching
  • ulcerative erosions

General symptoms may sometimes occur

  • fever
  • rash
  • swollen lymph nodes
  • and even a life-threatening shock

Lugol's solution - contraindications

Lugol's solutionshould not be administered (in any form) to people who are hypersensitive to iodine, suffer from pulmonary tuberculosis or hyperthyroidism, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women.

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