Is Lugol spray effective? Patient reviews about this drug will be presented at the end of the article. From it you will learn about which components are part of this product, how much it costs, at what indications it should be used, how to use it correctly, etc.
Composition and packaging
What substances does Lugol spray contain? Reviews report that the active element of this drug is elemental iodine. As for auxiliary ingredients, glycerol and potassium iodide are used as them.
Also in the pharmacies of our country you can find a similar medication, which is called "Lugol Vialayn." Spray with this name additionally includes triclosan, sea salt, sodium saccharin and kelp extract.
The medication in question is available in dark glass bottles. They are placed in a cardboard box, which includes a special applicator designed for spraying the drug.
Pharmacology of the drug
As mentioned above, the drug "Lugol" (spray), the price of which will be indicated below, contains such an active component as molecular iodine. According to experts, this element has antiseptic and locally irritating effects. It acts bactericidal on gram-negative and gram-positive flora. It should also be noted that the drug is particularly active against pathogenic yeast and fungi.
Maximum resistance to elemental iodine is observed in staphylococci and pseudomonas.
In the process of processing large areas of the skin, a resorptive effect is observed. It should be noted that this drug is able to take an active part in the processes of synthesizing T3 and T4.
Due to the presence of potassium iodide in the spray, its active substance dissolves better and faster in water. As for an element such as glycerol, it has a softening effect.
Pharmacokinetics of local drugs
What kinetic properties does Lugol spray have? Reviews of doctors report that with the correct use of this drug, the resorption of its active ingredient through the skin is completely excluded.
Upon contact with the mucous membranes, 30% of this drug is converted into the form of iodides. Ingestion of this agent leads to complete absorption of iodine, which subsequently accumulates in the thyroid gland.
The metabolites of the drug in question are excreted through the renal system and sweat glands, as well as together with feces.
Indications
What helps the drug "Lugol" (spray)? The use of this medication as an external agent is indicated:
- with wound lesions;
- traumatic injuries;
- infectious or inflammatory pathologies of the skin;
- myalgia.
It should also be noted that quite often the medication in question is used locally. Do this under the following conditions:
- infected burns;
- trophic ulcers;
- chronic tonsillitis;
- ulcerative varicose lesions;
- purulent otitis media;
- fresh thermal burns.
We can not say that in the otolaryngological practice this drug is often used for angina, especially in young children.
The antiseptic properties of this agent allow you to locally fight the inflammatory processes that accompany the aforementioned disease.
How is Lugol (spray) used for angina? The use of this antiseptic is indicated for initial and mild forms of the disease, as well as for purulent inflammation. By the way, in the latter case, the medication in question is recommended to be combined with antibiotic agents.
In addition to the above, "Lugol" can be used as an oral agent. This medication is indicated for tertiary syphilis, as well as for atherosclerosis (for treatment and prevention).
Contraindications
Now you know why Lugol (spray) is needed. Since how old can it be used for a child? This question interests many parents of young children. According to the instructions, this drug is undesirable to use for a child under 5 years of age.
It should also be noted that the drug in question should in no case be used by the patient with individual hypersensitivity to the elements of the drug.
As for oral administration, in this case, the medication is contraindicated:
- with furunculosis;
- acne eruptions;
- pregnancy
- pulmonary tuberculosis;
- adenoma;
- hemorrhagic diathesis;
- neurosis and jade;
- chronic pyoderma;
- urticaria.
How do adults use Lugol spray?
Reviews of experts report that after the use of this drug, a kind of protective film forms on the mucous membranes, which has an antiseptic effect.
The medication must be sprayed 5-6 times a day, treating the mucous membranes of the mouth, pharynx and pharynx. To do this, gently press the spray head. This procedure will contribute to uniform irrigation of the entire throat mucosa.
In the process of using the drug should hold your breath, and also protect your eyes from spray on them. If the drug nevertheless got on the mucous membranes of the visual organs, then it is recommended to immediately rinse them with sodium thiosulfate or ordinary warm water.
The drug "Lugol" - spray for children
The price of the product in question is not very high. According to the instructions, it should be used in relation to a child who has reached 5 years of age.
As a rule, "Lugol" for children is prescribed three times a day. It is used until all catarrhal symptoms disappear.
Adverse reactions
Using the spray as an external or local remedy, the following adverse reactions can be expected:
- acne;
- lacrimation
- salivation;
- rhinitis;
- Quincke's edema;
- urticaria.
If the drug has been prescribed by mouth, then patients may develop:
- sleep disturbance;
- diarrheal syndrome;
- allergic skin reactions;
- cardiopalmus;
- hyperhidrosis;
- nervousness.
When observing other reactions, you should independently cancel the use of the spray.
An overdose of iodine
When a large amount of medication is injected, the patient may experience respiratory irritation. When taking high doses of the drug inside, hemolysis and hemoglobinuria are noted. Experts report that 300 ml of the solution is considered the lethal dosage of this drug.
To eliminate the symptoms of an overdose, intravenous administration of 30% sodium thiosulfate is required, as well as gastric lavage with a solution of sodium bicarbonate.
Special recommendations and price
The price of this drug is not very high. You can buy a bottle of "Lugol" for 100-120 rubles.
When storing the said product at home, it should be remembered that sunlight, as well as air temperature above 40 degrees, significantly accelerate the decay of elemental iodine. Therefore, it is desirable to store the bottle with "Lugol" in a cool and dark place.
Drug Reviews
Spray "Lugol" is the most popular drug that is actively used to treat inflammatory and infectious diseases. It should be especially noted that patient reviews about this tool are exclusively positive.
Most often, messages about the effectiveness of this medicine are left by young mothers. According to them, the spray "Lugol" pretty quickly eliminates in children almost all the symptoms of inflammatory and infectious diseases in the throat. Also, it is often used for lesions of the skin.