What is an iodine alcohol solution for? We will tell about this in the presented article. You will also learn about how this medication works, what properties it has, what is included in its composition and whether it has adverse reactions.
Form, description, composition and packaging
The alcohol iodine solution, the instruction of which is enclosed in a cardboard box, is a dark brown liquid. On sale, such a drug comes in 1 ml ampoules, as well as in dark glass bottles.
A 5% alcohol iodine solution contains 20 g of potassium iodide, 50 g of iodine, as well as distilled water and ethyl alcohol 96% in a ratio of 1: 1 (up to a volume of 1000 ml).
pharmachologic effect
How does an alcoholic solution of iodine work? Elemental iodine is able to have a pronounced antimicrobial effect. For such a preparation (in small quantities), a local irritant effect is characteristic, as well as cauterizing properties (in higher concentrations).
The local action of iodine is due to its ability to precipitate protein tissue. Means that cleave this elemental substance contribute to a less pronounced irritant effect. As for potassium iodides, they have a locally 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 the most pronounced effects of such drugs have on the thyroid gland. With a lack of this element in the human body, iodides restore impaired synthesis of hormones (thyroid). If the content of this substance is normal, then they reduce the synthesis of thyroid hormones, as well as reduce the sensitivity of the thyroid gland to TSH of the pituitary gland and block its secretion by the pituitary gland.
An iodine alcohol solution can have a direct effect on the 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 its coagulation rate.
After the accumulation of iodine in syphilitic gums, it contributes to their mitigation and complete resorption. It cannot be said that a large number of this element in tuberculosis foci contributes to the strengthening of inflammatory processes in them.
The excretion of iodine preparations by the excretory glands is directly related to the irritation of the glandular tissues and the increase in their secretion. Such properties of the drug explain its expectorant effect, as well as the stimulation of lactation (in small doses). Although in large doses, this drug can, on the contrary, contribute to the inhibition of lactation.
Pharmacokinetics
How does an alcohol iodine solution affect the human body? The use of this product (application to the skin or mucous membranes) can 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.
The iodine alcohol solution 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 secreted 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 iodine solution be used? The use of this tool is indicated for external treatment of infectious and inflammatory skin lesions (for example, with injuries, wounds), as well as with myalgia.
As for the local use of the drug, it is prescribed for wounds, atrophic rhinitis, chronic tonsillitis, purulent otitis media, burns of infected, trophic and varicose ulcers, fresh chemical and thermal burns of the 1st and 2nd degree.
Is it possible to take alcohol iodine solution inside? The instruction reports that such use of the drug is possible, but only for the treatment of atherosclerosis and tertiary syphilis.
Contraindications
Which patients should not be prescribed alcohol iodine solution (2%, 5%, 1%)? According to experts, this medication should not be used with a person’s hypersensitivity to iodine.
As for the 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, a solution of alcohol iodine (1%, 5%, 2%) should not be used by pregnant women and in children under five years of age.
Instructions for use
How should i use a 5% alcohol iodine solution? For external use, a cotton swab or tampon is impregnated with it, and then damaged skin areas are briefly treated. 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 swab until the skin is gently nipped).
The dosage for oral administration of this medication should be determined only by the 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.
We should not forget that quite often an alcoholic solution of iodine is used topically. They wash the gaps and supratonsillar space. For this, 4-5 procedures are carried out with interruptions of 2-3 days.
In order to irrigate the nasopharynx, the medication is used 2-3 times a week for 2-3 months. To instill the drug in the ear, as well as rinse it, iodine is used for 3-4 weeks.
We can not say that this medication is very popular in surgical practice. It is also used for burns. Gauze napkins are soaked in the solution, and then (as necessary) they are applied to the affected surface.
Side effects
Like any medicine, iodine solution can also cause side effects. Their appearance and severity depend on the purpose for which the drug was used.
For external use, patients may experience skin irritation. With prolonged skin treatment on large surfaces, iodism often develops (its symptoms are salivation, rhinitis, acne, urticaria, lacrimation and Quincke's edema).
When taking the medication inside, nervousness, skin allergic reactions, diarrhea (in people older than 40 years), tachycardia, excessive sweating and sleep disturbances can occur.
Compatibility with other means
Pharmaceutically, the iodine solution is 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 the 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 strumogenic and hypothyroid effect of lithium preparations.
Price and drug reviews
Now you know what an alcoholic solution of iodine is. A doctor's prescription is not required when purchasing it. You can buy this medication 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 sore throat. To this end, a solution of iodine in the amount of a few drops is diluted with a glass of water, and then gaps are rinsed.
As for oral administration, this practice is very rare. Experts do not recommend taking iodine orally without consulting a doctor.