What is an alcohol solution of iodine for? We will talk about this in the presented article. You will also learn about how this medication works, what properties it has, what it contains and whether it has side effects.
Form, description, composition and packaging
Alcoholic iodine solution, the instruction of which is enclosed in a cardboard box, is a dark brown liquid. Such a drug goes on sale in ampoules of 1 ml, as well as in dark glass bottles.
Alcoholic iodine solution 5% contains potassium iodide in the amount of 20 g, iodine - 50 g, as well as distilled water and ethyl alcohol 96% in a ratio of 1: 1 (up to a volume of 1000 ml).
Pharmacological action
How does an alcohol solution of iodine work? Elemental iodine is able to have a pronounced antimicrobial effect. Such a drug (in small quantities) is characterized by a local irritant effect, as well as cauterizing properties (in higher concentrations).
The local action of iodine is due to its ability to precipitate protein tissues. Means that split off this elemental substance contribute to a less pronounced irritating effect. As for potassium iodides, they have a local irritating effect only at high concentrations.
Features of the drug
The principle of the resorptive action of potassium iodide and elemental iodine is the same. But such drugs have the most pronounced effects on the functioning of the thyroid gland. With a shortage of this element in the human body, iodides restore the disturbed synthesis of hormones (thyroid). If the content of this substance is normal, then they reduce the synthesis of thyroid hormones, and also reduce the sensitivity of the thyroid gland to pituitary TSH and block its secretion by the pituitary gland.
An alcoholic solution of iodine can have a direct effect on metabolism, which is manifested by enhanced dissimilation processes. With a disease such as atherosclerosis, this drug causes a slight decrease in the concentration of beta-lipoproteins, as well as cholesterol in the blood. In addition, it increases the lipoproteinase and fibrinolytic activity of blood serum and slows down the rate of its coagulation.
After the accumulation of iodine in syphilitic gums, it contributes to their softening and complete resorption. It is impossible not to say that a large amount of this element in tuberculous foci contributes to an increase in inflammatory processes in them.
Isolation of iodine preparations by excretory glands is directly related to irritation of glandular tissues and increased secretion. Such properties of the drug explain its expectorant effect, as well as the stimulation of lactation (in small doses). Although in high doses, this drug may, on the contrary, contribute to the suppression of lactation.
Pharmacokinetics
How does alcohol solution of iodine affect the human body? The use of this product (applied to the skin or mucous membranes) may cause burns (with large amounts of the drug and prolonged exposure).
After applying the drug to the mucous membranes or skin, about 30% of the drug is converted into iodides, as well as into active iodine.
Alcohol solution of iodine is only partially absorbed. The absorbed part of the drug penetrates into organs and tissues, and then is selectively absorbed by the thyroid gland. It is excreted through the kidneys, sweat, mammary glands, as well as through the intestines.
Indications for the use of iodine preparations
For what purpose can an alcohol solution of iodine be used? The use of this remedy is indicated for external treatment of infectious and inflammatory skin lesions (for example, with injuries, wounds), as well as for myalgia.
As for the local use of the mentioned drug, it is prescribed for wounds, atrophic rhinitis, chronic tonsillitis, purulent otitis media, infected burns, trophic and varicose ulcers, fresh chemical and thermal burns of the 1st and 2nd degree.
Can I take an alcohol solution of iodine orally? The instruction says that such use of the drug is possible, but only for the treatment of atherosclerosis and tertiary syphilis.
Contraindications for use
Which patients should not be prescribedalcohol solution of iodine (2%, 5%, 1%)? According to experts, this medication should not be used if a person is hypersensitive to iodine.
As for oral administration of the drug, it is not prescribed for pulmonary tuberculosis, nephrosis, nephritis, adenoma (including the thyroid gland), acne, furunculosis, chronic pyoderma, urticaria and hemorrhagic diathesis.
Also, an alcohol solution of iodine (1%, 5%, 2%) should not be used by pregnant women and children under five years of age.
Instructions for use
How should I use alcohol iodine solution 5%? For external use, they are impregnated with a cotton swab or swab, and then the damaged skin areas are treated for a short time. If it is necessary to cauterize an existing wound, then iodine treatment must be carried out for more than 5-10 seconds (hold the cotton wool until the skin tingles slightly).
The dosage for oral use of this medication should only be determined by a doctor. The amount and frequency of taking the drug are selected individually and depend on the indications, as well as the age of the patient.
One should not forget that quite often an alcoholic solution of iodine is used topically. They wash the lacunae and the supratonsillar space. For this, 4-5 procedures are carried out with breaks of 2-3 days.
In order to irrigate the nasopharynx, the medication is used 2-3 times a week for 2-3 months. Forinstillation of the drug into the ear, as well as its washing with iodine, is used for 3-4 weeks.
It is impossible not to say that this medication is very popular in surgical practice. It is also used for burns. Soak gauze pads in the solution, and then (as needed) apply them to the affected surface.
Side effects
As with any medication, iodine solution can also cause side effects. Their appearance and severity depend on the purpose for which the drug was used.
When applied topically, patients may experience skin irritation. With prolonged treatment of the skin on large surfaces, iodism often develops (its symptoms are salivation, rhinitis, acne, urticaria, lacrimation and Quincke's edema).
Nervousness, allergic skin reactions, diarrhea (in people over 40 years of age), tachycardia, increased sweating and sleep disturbances may occur when the medication is taken orally.
Compatibility with other products
Iodine solution is pharmaceutically incompatible with ammonia solutions, essential oils and white sedimentary mercury (in the latter case an explosive mixture is formed).
It should also be noted that an acidic or alkaline environment, pus in the blood and the presence of fat significantly weaken the antiseptic activity of iodine.
This medication is able to reduce the strumagenic and hypothyroid effects of lithium preparations.
Price and reviews of the drug
Now you know what an alcohol solution of iodine is. A doctor's prescription is not required when purchasing it. You can buy this medicine for 50-60 rubles.
As for the reviews, there are a great many of them about the iodine preparation. An alcohol solution of this element is available in almost every home medicine cabinet. Most often, people use it for wounds and burns, as well as for a warming effect. In addition, this medication is often used for local treatment of an inflamed throat. For this purpose, a solution of iodine in the amount of a few drops is diluted with a glass of water, and then the gaps are rinsed with it.
As far as ingestion is concerned, this practice is very rare. Experts do not recommend taking iodine by mouth without consulting a doctor.
