Lugol's iodine 1541301 224506827 2008-07-09T04:11:32Z Sbharris 577284 Remove thyroid blocking material to potassium iodide article, since Lugol's was NOT used, SSKI was. '''Lugol's iodine''', also known as '''Lugol's solution''', first made in 1829, is a solution of elemental [[iodine]] and potassium iodide in water, named after the [[France|French]] physician [[Jean Guillaume Auguste Lugol|J.G.A. Lugol]]. Lugol's iodine solution is often used as an [[antiseptic]] and [[disinfectant]], for emergency disinfection of drinking water, and as a reagent for starch detection in routine laboratory and medical tests. It has been used more rarely to replenish iodine deficiency. <ref>http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/iodine/] Higdon, J., "Micronutrient Information Center: Iodine," Linux Pauling Institute/Oregon State University; April, 2003 (revised by Drake, V.J., July, 2007).</ref> However, pure [[potassium iodide]], without the more toxic elemental iodine, is preferred for this purpose. == Formula and manufacture == Lugol's solution consists of 5 g [[iodine]] (I<sub>2</sub>) and 10 g [[potassium iodide]] (KI) mixed with 85 ml [[Water (molecule)|distilled water]], to make a brown solution with a total iodine content of 130 mg/mL. Potassium iodide renders the elementary iodine [[soluble]] in water through the formation of the I<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup> ion. It is not to be confused with simple [[tincture of iodine]] solutions, which consist of elemental iodine disolved in alcohol. Lugol's solution contains no alcohol. Other names for Lugol's solution are '''IKI''' (Iodine-Potassium Iodide); Iodine, Strong solution (Systemic); Aqueous Iodine Solution BP. Lugol's is obtained from chemists and pharmacists who are licensed to prepare and dispense the solution. == Applications == This solution is also used as an indicator to test for the presence of [[starch]]es in [[organic compounds]], with which it reacts by turning a dark-blue/black. Elemental iodine solutions like Lugol's will stain starches due to iodine's interaction with the coil structure of the [[polysaccharide]]. Lugol's solution will not detect simple sugars such as [[glucose]] or [[fructose]]. In the pathologic condition [[amyloidosis]], amyloid deposits can be so abundant that affected organs will also stain grossly positive for the Lugol reaction for starch. It can be used as a cell [[staining (biology)|stain]], making the [[cell nucleus|cell nuclei]] more visible and for preserving phytoplankton samples. During [[colposcopy]], Lugol's iodine is applied to the [[vagina]] and [[cervix]]. Normal vaginal tissue stains brown due to its high starch content, while tissue suspicious for cancer does not stain, and thus appears pale compared to the surrounding tissue. [[Biopsy]] of suspicious tissue can then be performed. This is called a [[Schiller's test]]. Lugol's solution can also be used in various experiments to observe how a cell membrane uses osmosis and diffusion. Lugol's iodine may also be used as an oxidizing germicide, however it is somewhat undesirable in that it may lead to scarring and discolors the skin temporarily. One way to avoid this problem is by using a solution of 70% ethanol to wash off the iodine later. ==Historical applications== Lugol's was often used in the treatment of [[gout]]. It was also used at one time as a first line treatment for severe [[hypothyroidism]] due to iodine deficiency in adults. Historically, Lugol's iodine solution has been widely available and used for a number of health problems with some precautions.<ref>[http://www.drugs.com/cons/Lugol_s_solution.html] Drugs.com, "Lugol's Solution."</ref> Lugol's is sometimes prescribed in a variety of alternative medical treatments.<ref>[http://www.optimox.com/pics/Iodine/IOD-05/IOD_05.html] Optimox.com, "Iodine."</ref><ref>[http://www.jcrows.com/iodine.html] Jcrows.com, "Iodine."</ref> Until 2007, in the [[United States of America]], Lugol's solution was unregulated and available [[over the counter]] as a general [[reagent]], an [[antiseptic]], a [[preservative]],<ref>[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2005.03.001] Hawkins <i>et al.</i>, "Change in cyanobacterial biovolume due to preservation by Lugol's Iodine," <i>Harmful Algae</i>, Volume 4, Issue 6, pp. 1033-1043; November, 2005.</ref> or as a medicament for human or veterinary application. ===2007 DEA regulation in the United States=== However, effective [[August 1]], [[2007]], the [[Drug Enforcement Administration|DEA]] now regulates Lugol's solution (and, in fact, all iodine solutions containing greater than 2.2% iodine) as a [[DEA list of chemicals|List I]] precursor because it may potentially be used in the [[clandestine laboratory|illicit production]] of [[methamphetamine]].<ref>[http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/fed_regs/rules/2007/fr0702.htm] US DEA, "Final Rule: Changes in the Regulation of Iodine Crystals and Chemical Mixtures Containing Over 2.2 Percent Iodine," Federal Register, Volume 72, Number 126; July 2, 2007 (FR Doc E7-12736).</ref> However, transactions of up to one fluid ounce (30 ml) of Lugol's solution are exempt from this regulation. By contrast, Lugol's iodine solution is available over the counter in [[Canada]] and [[Mexico]], for example. ==References== <references/> == See also == * [[Tincture of iodine]] * [[Betadine]] http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9049302/Lugol's-solution [[Category:Antiseptics]] [[Category:Disinfectants]] [[Category:Staining dyes]] [[Category:Iodine]] [[Category:Chemical tests]] [[cs:Lugolovo činidlo]] [[de:Iod-Kaliumiodid-Lösung]] [[es:Lugol]] [[fr:Solution de lugol]] [[he:לוגול]] [[it: Reattivo di Lugol]] [[ja:複方ヨード・グリセリン]] [[nl:Lugos]] [[pl:Płyn Lugola]] [[ru:Раствор Люголя]] [[zh:盧戈氏碘液]]