Instructions for use iodine. Iodine: folk use - Home treatment, folk medicine iodine

Iodine

Composition and form of release of the drug

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to iodine. For oral administration - pulmonary tuberculosis, nephritis, nephrosis, adenomas (including the thyroid gland), furunculosis, acne, chronic pyoderma, hemorrhagic diathesis, urticaria, pregnancy, children under 5 years of age.

Dosage

When applied externally, iodine is used to treat damaged areas of the skin.

For oral administration, the dose is set individually, depending on the indications and the age of the patient.

Locally used for washing lacunae and supratonsillar spaces - 4-5 procedures at intervals of 2-3 days, for irrigation of the nasopharynx - 2-3 times a week for 2-3 months, for instillation into the ear and washing - for 2-4 weeks; in surgical practice and in case of burns, gauze wipes applied to the affected surface are moistened as needed.

Side effects

For external use: rarely - skin irritation; with prolonged use on extensive wound surfaces - iodism (rhinitis, urticaria, salivation, lacrimation, acne).

When taken orally: skin allergic reactions, tachycardia, nervousness, sleep disturbances, excessive sweating, diarrhea (in patients over 40 years of age).

This tool will be discussed below. We will also tell you about what varieties of the said drug exist, for what purposes they are used, and so on.

Iodine solution: instructions for use

Iodine has antimicrobial properties. This drug is characterized by a pronounced local irritant effect. At high concentrations, it has a cauterizing effect.

Local application of iodine is due to its ability to precipitate tissue proteins. Deficiency disrupts the synthesis of thyroid hormones. In atherosclerosis, they cause a slight decrease in the concentration of beta-lipoproteins and cholesterol in the blood.

What other properties does elemental iodine have? Instructions for use reports that this agent is able to increase the lipoproteinase and fibrinolytic activity of blood serum, as well as slow down the rate of its clotting.

Application methods

How should I use iodine? Instructions for use states that damaged areas of the skin are often treated with an alcohol solution.

For oral administration, the dosage of this remedy is set individually, depending on the patient's age and indications.

Locally, this drug is used to wash the supratonsillar spaces and lacunae. The procedures are carried out 4-5 times at intervals of 2-3 days.

In order to irrigate the nasopharynx, an iodine solution is prescribed 2-3 times a week for 3 months.

For washing and instillation into the ear, this remedy is used for 2-4 weeks. For burns and in surgical practice, gauze wipes are moistened with iodine and applied to the affected surface.

"Iodine-active": instructions for use

Reviews of experts say that iodine in the composition of the preparation "Iodine-active" is well absorbed with a deficiency of this element in the body, and with an excess, it is quickly excreted, bypassing the thyroid gland. This effect is due to the fact that iodine is able to split off from milk protein under the influence of liver enzymes produced during its deficiency. When there is too much iodine in the human body, enzymes are not produced. Thus, "Iodine-active", instructions for the use of which are presented below, is excreted without being absorbed into the blood.

Composition, form, indications, contraindications

"Iodine-active" goes on sale in the form of tablets. It contains skimmed milk powder, lactose monohydrate and iodocasein.

This drug is prescribed for iodine deficiency, as well as to reduce the risk of developing diseases that are associated with a lack of this element. "Iodine-active" is forbidden to be taken with individual intolerance to its components.

Dosage

What dosage is prescribed "Iodine-active"? Instructions for use informs that this drug should be taken by adults and adolescents over 14 years of age, 1-2 tablets with meals (once a day).

Antiseptic preparation "Povidone-iodine"

What components does Povidone-iodine contain? Instructions for use states that its active substance is povidone-iodine. As additional components, glycerin, novoxinol, citric acid, sodium hydroxide, disodium hydrogen phosphate 12-hydrate, demineralized water and macragol are used.

This remedy is produced in the form of a 10% or 7.5% solution for external use with the formation of foam, as well as the form of suppositories, ointments and concentrates for the preparation of solutions.

Indications for use

Indications of the drug "Povidone-iodine" depend on the form of its release. It is used for burns, infectious wounds, abrasions, bedsores, dermatitis, trophic ulcers, bad breath, fungal skin lesions, in gynecological practice, etc. Also, this medication is used as a disinfectant.

Application methods

How should I use Povidone Iodine? Instructions for use states that this drug is intended for washing and lubricating infected areas of mucous membranes and skin. If required, use gauze bandages soaked in

If the medication is intended for drainage systems, then it must be diluted with water.

Suppositories "Povidone-iodine" are used deeply, intravaginally. Dosage, regimen and duration of use are established only by a doctor.

The preparation "Potassium iodide"

In what form is the instruction for use states that manufacturers produce this remedy in the form of tablets, drops and solution. This medication is used to treat hyperthyroidism and with the development of endemic goiter. It is also often prescribed in preparation for surgical interventions in patients with severe thyrotoxicosis.

Potassium iodine is used to prevent diseases of the thyroid gland affected by radiation. As an aid, it is used in the treatment of syphilis.

Dosage of the drug

The drug "Potassium iodide" is taken orally in the form of tablets and solutions. The medication must be washed down with sweet tea, milk or jelly in order to prevent irritation of the digestive tract.

Patients with endemic goiter are prescribed 0.04 g of the drug once a week. With diffuse goiter, the drug is also used in an amount of 0.04 g, but three times a day. After that, the dosage is changed: 0.125 g twice a day. The duration of treatment for such diseases is 20 days.

To thin the sputum, doctors prescribe a 1-3% solution of potassium iodide. In this case, the drug should be taken 3 large spoons three times a day.

Iodine monochloride

How does iodine monochloride work? Instructions for use informs that it is an antiseptic drug that has an antimicrobial effect against a variety of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, fungi and viruses. It is also highly effective against eggs of a number of helminths, spores of anaerobic bacteria and coccidia oocysts.

Vapors of undiluted drug cause rather severe irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, clouding of the cornea of ​​\u200b\u200bthe eyes and conjunctivitis. With prolonged exposure to the skin, iodine monochloride causes ulceration and burns.

What are they used for?

Iodine monochloride is used for:

• aerosol treatment of air in poultry and livestock premises;
• forced and preventive disinfection of surfaces of poultry and livestock premises, as well as technological equipment located in them, auxiliary facilities and inventory;
• treatment of animals that have been affected by ringworm;
• udder treatment of cows.

Application

How to use Instructions for use states that disinfection with this agent is carried out by fine-drop irrigation using spray equipment.

For the treatment of animals that are sick with ringworm, the affected areas of the skin are treated with a 10% aqueous solution. The drug is applied in small portions with a cotton-gauze swab or brush, and then rubbed thoroughly. It is advisable to carry out this procedure outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

For treatment (antiseptic) after milking, a 0.5% solution of iodine monochloride is used, which is applied with a sprayer.

blue iodine

In addition to being antiseptic, blue iodine has irritating as well as some poisonous effects.

There are quite a few areas where this type of drug is used.

A solution of blue iodine is used to combat diseases such as:

• dysentery, respiratory inflammation, acne, alcohol intoxication, colitis, hepatitis;
• flatulence, pneumonia, conjunctivitis, bronchitis, hemorrhoids, ulcers and wounds on the skin, tuberculosis, various burns;
• periodontal disease, food poisoning, dysbacteriosis, worsening of the pancreas, chlamydia, intestinal or stomach ulcers;
• salmonellosis, irritability, trichomoniasis, ulcerative erosions in the mouth, iodine deficiency, decreased intellectual activity, fungal infections;
• gynecological diseases, hormonal imbalance, alveolitis, immune pathologies, stomatitis;
• vascular atherosclerosis, dendritic and disc keratitis, pustular skin lesions, tonsillitis, mastitis.

Usage

How is blue iodine used? Instructions for use informs that as a prophylactic it is necessary to drink 4 dessert spoons, after adding it to 200 ml of plain water. This procedure is sufficient to perform twice a day for 3 months.

If necessary, the dose of the drug can be increased.

In order to improve the taste, the product can be mixed with non-acidic natural juices or warm green tea.

Contraindications to the use of blue iodine

Do not use this supplement in the following cases:

• when taking thyroxine;
• with hypotension or the use of drugs that lower blood pressure;
• with complete or partial removal of thyroid tissue;
• the beginning of the menstrual cycle;
• thrombophlebitis;
• oncological diseases;
• autoimmune disorders.

An important trace element, the presence of which is necessary, first of all, for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. The main cause of iodine deficiency in the body is its lack in drinking water, which is common in many regions. Compensated by eating iodized salt. Uncompensated iodine deficiency leads to the development of goiter, and in pregnant women - to congenital iodine deficiency - severe violations of the physical and mental development of the child.

Iodine plays a very important role in the human body. It is part of the thyroid hormones, which affect many vital body functions. In addition, iodine is used in medical practice not only as a proven antiseptic. It is part of radiopaque preparations, a radioactive isotope of iodine is used in the treatment of thyroid diseases. Iodine is also widely used in science and technology. This article will tell you about all this in more detail.

Iodine as a chemical element was discovered in France at the beginning of the 19th century by Bernard Courtois. In Mendeleev's periodic system, it is denoted by the letter "I" and assigned atomic number 53. In its pure form, under normal conditions, iodine is represented by crystals with a color from dark gray to blue. Iodine is poorly soluble in water; organic solvents are used for its solutions. In solutions, iodine acquires a rich brown or purple color. The very name "iodine" in Greek means violet or violet, since its vapors are painted in this color. Iodine is not found in the form of isolated deposits in nature, but it is ubiquitous in small quantities. For the extraction of iodine, its compounds, salts rich in iodine are used, from where it is isolated chemically.

Iodine in the body

Iodine plays an important role in the human body. However, the human body is not able to synthesize iodine on its own, and it must be supplied from the environment with food and water.

Iodine is part of the hormones that directly determine the quality of metabolic processes in the human body:

• energy metabolism
• body temperature
• metabolism of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, electrolytes and vitamins
• growth and development of the body, including mental
• tissue oxygen consumption
• the rate of various biochemical reactions

With sufficient intake of iodine in the body, a person grows adequately, is active, easily carries out mental work, and feels healthy.

With insufficient intake of iodine:

• goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland)
• a person experiences weakness, chronic fatigue
• sexual function is suppressed
• decreased mental performance
• body weight increases
• cretinism develops in children
• myxedema develops in adults

Cretinism is a type of congenital hypothyroidism caused by a lack of thyroid hormones. One of the reasons for the development of the disease is iodine deficiency and, as a result, a lack of hormone synthesis. Clinically, the following complex of symptoms is revealed:

• lag in physical and mental development
• change in bone growth, skull shape
• hearing and speech impairment
• underdevelopment of the genitals
• skin pathology: skin roughness, brittle nails, hair

The treatment is thyroid hormone replacement therapy. As a preventive measure, it is sufficient to consume iodized salt in food in endemic regions.

Myxedema also develops due to a chronic lack of iodine and thyroid hormones synthesized on its basis. It is clinically manifested by widespread edema, especially pronounced in the face and lower extremities. Such patients have low blood pressure, bradycardia, a feeling of chilliness, lethargy, and drowsiness. Treatment consists of hormone replacement therapy. As a preventive measure, it is enough to eat iodized salt in endemic regions and undergo medical examinations in a timely manner.

An excess of iodine in the body also leads to pathological conditions. The toxic dose of iodine per day is approximately 5 mg or more. Signs of acute iodine toxicity include:

• Damage to the mucous membranes: swelling of the larynx, runny nose, salivation, lacrimation, etc.
• Kidney and liver damage
• Diarrhea, vomiting
• Convulsions, delirium

With chronic iodine intoxication, symptoms of the type of hyperthyroidism are possible: palpitations, rises in blood pressure, tremor, increased excitability, emotional lability.

Everything we eat contains iodine to one degree or another. Iodine is present in foods in varying degrees of concentration. So food is divided into poor and rich in iodine. The content of iodine in seafood is especially high. All kinds of sea fish, shellfish, shrimp are a storehouse of iodine, iron, magnesium and other essential trace elements. Especially rich in iodine are seaweeds, namely sea kale. This plant accumulates iodine in large quantities and can be an indispensable source of iodine in food.

What do we eat most often, living away from the sea? Meat, poultry, milk and products based on it, vegetables, fruits, herbs, cereals and bakery products. These foodstuffs are often produced near where you live. But the area far from the sea is poor in iodine and, consequently, the products produced there also contain iodine in small quantities.

Our country is washed by the waters of 13 seas and there is no shortage of seafood in the cities located on the coast. However, the majority of the population lives on the continental part, where there is a lack of iodine-containing products. Why this retreat? Eat sea fish, sea kale more often. This simple measure will help fill the iodine deficiency in the body and maintain it at a sufficient level.

A few words about iodized salt. The rule is paramount and basic: the salt on your table must be iodized. Yes, it is not so snow-white, but it is more expensive than ordinary table salt, but I repeat once again: the salt on your table should be iodized. This is especially true for residents of the continental part of Russia, since these regions are deficient in iodine content. The use of iodized salt reduces the development of endemic goiter in the region by an order of magnitude, which was scientifically substantiated at the beginning of the 20th century. By itself, table salt does not have an expiration date, but over time, the iodine content in iodized salt decreases. Such salt should not be stored for a long time, it is better to use it immediately.

For clarity, below is a list of products with an indication of their iodine content in mcg.

From the table above, it can be seen that seaweed is the champion in iodine content. By the way, the element iodine itself was originally discovered for the first time in it. Seafood is rich in iodine, since the concentration of iodine in sea water is quite high. River fish also contain iodine, but in much lower concentrations. Plant foods are poor in iodine, the only exception can be lettuce leaves. Meat and dairy foods are also poor in iodine. Summing up, it can be argued that if your diet includes food poor in iodine, and you live in an iodine-deficient region, then salt should be iodized. This simple rule will significantly reduce the risk of developing iodine deficiency diseases.

The thyroid gland is located on the front surface of the human neck directly below the larynx. The size of the gland is normally small and is approximately 2x3 cm for each of its two lobes. A healthy thyroid gland is not determined by palpation. Despite its small size, the thyroid gland is a very important organ and affects many vital processes. The thing is that the gland produces hormones that affect the speed and quality of biochemical reactions occurring in the body. The thyroid hormones are called triiodothyronine (denoted T3) and thyroxine (denoted T4). Thyroid iodine is necessary for the synthesis of the above hormones. Consider the area of ​​influence of thyroid hormones:

• Increase tissue oxygen consumption. As a result, the rate of cellular respiration and biochemical reactions increases.
• Increase the intake of glucose in, thereby increasing the energy capabilities of the body
• Enhance the breakdown of fat (in order to obtain glucose) and inhibit its formation
• The rate of basal metabolism increases, blood pressure rises, heart rate increases, blood flow to organs and tissues increases, body temperature rises
• Under the influence of thyroid hormones, protein synthesis is enhanced, however, with an excessive intake of hormones into the blood, protein structures break down.
• Increased excitability, mental and physical activity, vigor, ability to perceive and remember information
• Promote the growth of the body as a whole

Thyroid hormones affect the entire body as a whole, enhancing and accelerating the adaptive capabilities of a person.

Thyroid hormone synthesis is regulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is secreted by the pituitary gland. The effect of thyroid-stimulating hormone is carried out according to the type of negative feedback: the more the thyroid gland secretes its hormones, the less the pituitary gland secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone and vice versa. That is why, with a background of reduced T3 and T4, an increased TSH is observed, and with hyperthyroidism, against a background of elevated thyroid hormones, TSH is practically not detected in the blood.

The thyroid gland receives iodine from the environment, and without iodine, the synthesis of such important thyroid hormones is impossible. Without sufficient intake of iodine, the thyroid gland is under the influence of a sufficiently high concentration of thyroid-stimulating hormone, which has a stimulating effect on the gland. The thyroid gland grows, increases in volume, in some cases becomes visible to the naked eye. This condition is called goiter. Goiter in its function can be:

• Euthyroid - production of thyroid hormones remains at a sufficient level
• Hypothyroid - the production of thyroid hormones is insufficient
• Hyperthyroid - overproduction of thyroid hormones

Also goiter can be nodular, multinodular, diffuse. Nodes can be located both in one share, and in both. In rare cases, a tumor process can form in the nodes.

It should be remembered that if you have been diagnosed with a goiter, then you need to contact an endocrinologist, clarify the nature of the goiter, if it is a node, you need to do a biopsy of the node. In principle, ultrasound examination with biopsy of a thyroid nodule is the "gold standard" in the diagnosis of thyroid cancer.

Remember that prevention of the disease is always easier and cheaper than the treatment of complications that have arisen. If you live in an iodine-deficient region, do not forget that the salt on your table must be iodized.

Iodine is ubiquitous in the environment to varying degrees. However, natural deposits of iodine are practically not found. In the world, only 2 countries have the ability to produce iodine on an industrial scale: Chile and Japan. And even in these countries, iodine in its pure form is not mined, it is presented in the form of saltpeter and salts containing iodine. Iodine is also extracted from industrial waters, associated waters of oil and oil and gas fields.

In countries that do not have natural deposits of iodine, they have learned how to extract iodine through air desorption. The essence of the method includes the following stages:

• Suppression of hydrolysis by adding sulfuric acid to industrial water
• Oxidation of iodine salts to iodine (I2)
• Subsequent desorption of iodine from industrial water using air
• Using absorbents to extract iodine from the air
• Isolation of iodine crystals from the absorbent
• Subsequent drying and purification of iodine

This process is much simpler than some other methods used in the production of iodine (carbon adsorption or ion exchange). By air desorption, iodine is extracted from the environment in the USA, Japan, Chile, etc.

Iodine in the form of a solution of iodine-containing salts is found in the water of the oceans. The concentration of iodine in the ocean is approximately 30 milligrams per tonne of sea water. In associated oil waters, the concentration of iodine is quite variable and ranges from 10 to 300 grams per 1 cubic meter. The record holder for the concentration of iodine among plants is kelp, seaweed. For 1 ton of dried kelp, there are 2-3 grams of iodine. Among fish, cod is especially rich in iodine, namely cod liver.

Radioactive iodine (or iodine-131) is produced from tellurium in a nuclear reaction. Radioactive iodine does not occur naturally in nature. Its concentration in some regions is due to leaks from nuclear power plants or previous nuclear tests. However, even in such cases, it is rapidly deactivated through degradation, as iodine-131 is highly unstable in the environment.

How much iodine does a person need?

The table shows the daily requirement of a person for iodine (mcg per day) depending on age

It should be borne in mind that the calculation of the need for iodine for pregnant women is 230 mcg per day, and for lactating women 260 mcg per day.

At the same time, the table presents generalized data and the need may vary depending on body weight, region of residence, physiology of the body.

Lack of iodine in the body leads to diseases of the thyroid gland. This disease is called endemic goiter. Endemic is a disease that develops in a particular area, in this case due to a lack of iodine. Sporadic goiter is also distinguished, which develops in people living outside iodine-deficient regions. The regions endemic for goiter include mountainous regions (Caucasus, Altai, Alps, etc.), continental regions (Eastern Europe, Central Asia, etc.). If more than 10% of the population in a region is affected by goiter, then the region is said to be endemic. To assess the degree of goiter endemia in the region, the Lenz-Bauer index is used. It is calculated through the ratio of the number of men to the number of women suffering from endemic goiter III-V degree. It should be noted that women are much more likely to suffer from endemic goiter, and only with a high degree of endemia, cases of the disease among men become more frequent.

For the first time, scientists identified the relationship between iodine deficiency and the development of goiter only in the middle of the 19th century. Since then, this theory has been developed and is currently accepted everywhere. The thing is that in response to a reduced intake of iodine in the human body, a whole cascade of adaptive reactions occurs, as a result of which the thyroid gland increases in volume.

Iodine preparations are widely used in medical practice. Surely in every home first aid kit there is an alcohol solution of iodine. Other antiseptics containing iodine are also known, these include betadine, povidone-iodine, iodopyrone. Iodine-containing antiseptics have a longer effect than an alcoholic solution of iodine, and a wide antimicrobial spectrum of action. Betadine is used for surgical dressings, treatment of trophic ulcers of the lower extremities, bedsores, they treat the skin in the area of ​​surgical access. Iodine-containing antiseptics effectively suppress wound infection, "dry" the wound surface, partially eliminate the smell characteristic of purulent wounds, and protect against re-infection of the wound surface. However, a certain concentration of dilution of these antiseptics should be observed (8-10% solution). In high concentrations, iodine-containing drugs can cause local tissue burns.

Another aspect of iodine-containing antiseptics is their coloring ability. A bandage with a solution of Betodin must be applied carefully, iodine stains the dressing material brown, sometimes soaking the bandage itself and getting on clothes. And it is not easy to remove drops of iodine. Be careful not to pour too much betadine under the dressing.

With repeated dressings, in cases of trophic ulcers or wounds, the bandage should be removed as carefully as possible. The fact is that when drying, the bandage with a solution of an iodine-containing antiseptic adheres quite tightly to the skin and the surface of the wound itself. It is better to moisten its surface in advance with a solution of chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide. Such a measure will help to remove the bandage painlessly.

Potassium iodine

Potassium iodine is also widely used in medicine. The chemical formula is written as follows: "KI", where K is potassium and I is iodine. In its pure form, potassium iodine is represented by white crystals. In medicine, potassium iodide preparations are used, such as Iodomarin, Yodostin, Vitrum Iodine, etc. Most often, potassium iodine is used as a food supplement for iodine deficiency diseases. Such diseases develop as a result of living in regions poor in iodine, pregnancy. Potassium iodine is added to common salt to produce iodized salt.

Potassium iodine is also used as a radioprotective agent. It reduces the accumulation of radioactive iodine in the thyroid gland. Potassium iodine was used in the focus of radioactive contamination after the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

Potassium iodine is used for difficult expectoration of sputum, since it has an expectorant effect.

Contraindications for the use of potassium iodide include:

• Individual intolerance to iodine preparations
• Duhring's dermatitis herpetiformis

During pregnancy and lactation, as well as in case of renal insufficiency, potassium iodide should be used under the supervision of a physician, strictly observing the dosage.

An overdose of potassium iodide is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Inflammation of the mucous membranes
• Allergic reaction of varying severity
• Excessive sweating
• Cardiopalmus
• Hyperexcitability

Lugol solution.

In the 19th century, J. Lugol was looking for a remedy that would help in the treatment of tuberculosis. The result of his work was a solution of iodine in an aqueous solution of potassium iodide. This medicine did not save from tuberculosis, but a fairly effective local antiseptic, highly soluble in water, was discovered. Lugol's solution is still used, especially in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs.

Since childhood, we have been familiar with a small brown vial with the inscription "Iodine alcohol solution." This tool is present in almost every home first aid kit. This is a fairly effective local antiseptic. It is used to treat the skin around the wound, lubricate the formation of boils, fungal infections, local inflammatory reactions.

One of the stages of processing the hands of the surgeon according to the method of Spasokukotsky and Kochergin includes lubricating the nail phalanges of the fingers with an alcohol solution of iodine. This was the final stage after washing the hands with soap and then twice treating them with a solution of ammonia. For its time (the 20s of the XX century), this was a popular and effective method that could be used even in the field. Now this type of hand treatment is not widely used. The thing is that then surgeons did not use sterile gloves and hands, especially fingers, had to be carefully treated with iodine solution. Currently, surgeons wash their hands with soap and then treat them with a modern skin antiseptic, after which they put on sterile gloves.

An alcoholic solution of iodine can be used as a means for disinfecting drinking water. This method is relevant in conditions of long trips, travel, emergency situations, when it is impossible to be completely sure of the quality and safety of drinking water. It is enough to add a few drops of iodine per liter of water, mix thoroughly and wait 30 minutes. Drinking this water will be much safer.

There is another rather interesting use of iodine in medicine - it is iodine-containing contrast agents. Diagnosis of diseases in medicine does not stand still, and the introduction of X-ray machines has received its new development. The thing is that iodine-containing contrast agents look much brighter on x-ray images than surrounding tissues. And such a substance, introduced, for example, into the bloodstream, allows you to accurately visualize the vascular bed. Also, with their help, you can clearly see the gastrointestinal tract, urinary system, bronchi, and recognize the tumor process.

Contraindications for the introduction of iodine-containing contrast agents include:

• Individual intolerance to iodine
• Diseases of the thyroid gland, accompanied by its hyperfunction (toxic adenoma of the thyroid gland, nodular toxic goiter, diffuse toxic goiter)

Such drugs should be used with caution in patients with impaired renal function.

Iodine is widely used in medicine. The simple addition of iodized salt to food significantly reduces the risk of thyroid disease and prevents its increase. But it's more about disease prevention. As we have already seen, the antiseptic properties of iodine have proven their effectiveness and have found application in various branches of medical science. Let's consolidate the information received and analyze in more detail how exactly wounds should be treated with iodine. Also in medicine, radioactive iodine is used in the treatment of certain diseases of the thyroid gland.

Wound treatment with iodine

Let's imagine that you cut yourself or got an abrasion, deeply scratched the skin. How to treat a wound so that it does not get an infection? An alcohol solution of iodine will help us with this. Apply it to the edges of the wound, this will prevent infection from the skin from entering the wound. Do not pour iodine into the wound itself. Firstly, it hurts, and secondly, in this way it is easy to get a burn of tissues that are not protected by the skin. Treat only superficial wounds with iodine: abrasions, shallow cuts, scratches. If the wound is deep (for example, stepped on a nail), then iodine will be ineffective and in this case you should seek medical help.

A few words about the treatment with iodine nets. When applied to the skin, an iodine solution has not only an antiseptic effect. Iodine also has a slight anti-inflammatory and irritating effect, due to which blood circulation in this area increases and microcirculation improves. However, treatment with iodine mesh should not be considered a panacea for all diseases. It is rather an additional tool that complements the main treatment. Children under one year old are not recommended to apply an iodine mesh, since their skin is still quite tender and iodine solution can cause a burn. Treatment with an iodine mesh is contraindicated for people with an allergy to iodine and with thyroid diseases accompanied by hyperthyroidism.

At its core, radioactive iodine is an isotope of iodine (I-131). This substance, like ordinary iodine, accumulates in the thyroid gland. However, the isotope of iodine is unstable and decays with the release of beta particles, which destroy the surrounding tissue. Therefore, after the patient has drunk a pill with radioactive iodine, it in turn accumulates in the thyroid gland and destroys it.

This type of iodine treatment is an alternative to surgical removal of the thyroid gland. Unlike surgery, radioactive iodine therapy does not leave a scar on the skin, and there is no risk of trauma to the laryngeal nerve and parathyroid glands. In rare cases, surgical treatment is not possible and the choice is made in favor of radioactive iodine.

Pregnancy is a contraindication to radioactive iodine treatment, as this drug has a detrimental effect on the fetus. If radioactive iodine therapy is carried out during breastfeeding, then breastfeeding should be discontinued.

For some time after treatment with radioactive iodine, the patient is isolated in a separate room, since he is a source of radiation, which is dangerous for others.

• Drink more liquid, this measure will accelerate the elimination of iodine isotopes from the body
• Shower daily, wash your hands, flush the toilet twice
• You need to sleep alone, underwear and bed linen must be changed daily
• Close contact and long stays with people should be avoided.

This set of rules is necessary to protect others from the effects of radiation. Over time, radioactive iodine will be eliminated from the body and it will be possible to return to daily life.

Pregnancy test with iodine

There are many folk remedies for diagnosing pregnancy using improvised means. One such remedy is iodine. The essence of the method is the following procedure.

It is necessary to collect a small amount of morning urine in a jar. Dip a piece of paper into it. Lay the moistened paper on a flat surface and put a drop of iodine on it. The result should be interpreted as follows: if a drop of iodine has not undergone a color change, then the test is negative and you are not pregnant. If a drop of iodine changes color to purple, then the test is positive.

Let's describe another method of pregnancy test using iodine.

Also collect a portion of morning urine in a clean jar. Place it on a flat surface and carefully drop a drop of iodine into the jar. In the event that a drop of iodine has dissolved and spread, then the test is negative, you are not pregnant. If the drop of iodine retains its shape and does not spread, then the test is considered positive.

Of course, modern methods of diagnosing pregnancy are much more accurate and perfect. However, the iodine pregnancy test is still used, for example, out of curiosity. The reliability of this method is extremely low and leaves much to be desired.

Iodine is used not only in medicine, but also in various fields of chemistry, household needs, and agriculture.

Branches of application of iodine:

• In metallurgy, iodine is used to obtain highly purified metals (such as hafnium, titanium, vanadium, etc.).
• Production of polaroid glass for cars, film equipment
• Making a photo
• Analytical chemistry, where the oxidizing and reducing properties of iodine are used
• Making dyes

As can be seen, iodine is a fairly demanded element in various branches of science and technology. But the main branch of iodine application is pharmacology. The production of medicines based on iodine, radiopaque preparations, radioactive iodine, antiseptics accounts for half of the total production of iodine.

iodine acids

Iodine acids include iodic (HIO3) and iodic (HIO4) acids.

Iodic acid is white crystals, highly soluble in water. It is used in oxidation reactions. Salts of iodic acid are called iodates, they also have strong oxidizing properties.

Iodic acid is also represented by crystals that are highly soluble in water. Its salts are called periodates (for example, potassium periodate KIO4, or sodium periodate NaIO4). Such salts have strong oxidizing properties.

Iodine acids are used in the analysis of the structures of complex organic substances, in oxidation reactions of analytical chemistry, as a reagent for oxidative reactions for organic compounds.

Another recipe for protecting plants from a fungal infection contains whey with iodine. As whey, you can use kefir or yogurt. Milk whey is diluted with water in equal proportions, iodine is added to the resulting mixture in an amount of 10 ml per 10 liters. Such a serum with iodine is sprayed with cucumbers, it protects the plant from pests. However, the serum with iodine is quickly washed off and the procedure must be repeated.

Structural formula

Russian name

Latin name for the substance Iodine

Gross formula

Pharmacological group of the substance Iodine

Nosological classification (ICD-10)

CAS code

Characteristics of the substance Iodine

Grayish-black plates or crystals with a metallic sheen with a characteristic odor; volatile, sublimates when heated. Slightly soluble in water, soluble in alcohol and in aqueous solutions of iodides.

Pharmacology