It seems that nature itself has taken care of our health. After all, you can find all the components for the treatment of various diseases in it. Scientists just have to find these substances to use them. These drugs include Lugol - a solution created on the basis of molecular iodine. An interesting fact from the history of this drug. It was created back in 1829 by a French scientist, in whose honor the solution, or rozchin in Ukrainian, received its name, Jean Lugol. But in the countries of the former Soviet Union, it gained wide popularity after the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Then it was taken to reduce the effects of radiation.
general description
The drug "Lugol" - spray. This is the form of medicine most often purchased by consumers lately. The medicine is also available in the form of a regular solution. The product contains iodine. For every 100 ml of product there is up to 1% of the described element. The excipients are purified water, potassium iodide and glycerol.
What is the price of Lugol's medicine? The cost of the drug depends on its release form. You can buy a regular Lugol solution at a pharmacy for about 15 rubles. The drug in the form of a spray will cost a little more due to its spray system and ease of use - about 100 rubles.
Contraindications to taking Lugol and side effects
Despite the relative safety of Lugol, the solution and spray cannot be used for the following diseases:
- hyperthyroidism,
- severe kidney and liver diseases,
- pulmonary tuberculosis,
- chronic pyoderma,
- dermatitis herpetiformis and some others.
Due to the fact that the use of iodine negatively affects the functioning of the thyroid gland, it is there that it accumulates, and bearing a fetus directly depends on its functioning, you should avoid taking this medication during pregnancy.
It should also not be used when breastfeeding a baby, due to the possibility of particles of the solution getting into the milk, which can then negatively affect the baby’s health. Lugol should also not be used by people who are sensitive to the components of the drug.
Long-term use of Lugol's solution can cause side effects such as runny nose, lacrimation, Quincke's edema and even acne on the skin. If ingested, the consequences may be more serious:
- tachycardia,
- sleep disturbance,
- diarrhea,
- sweating,
- nervousness,
- allergic reactions.
With an overdose of Lugol, all of the above symptoms may occur, and lethargy and muscle weakness may also appear. If such a situation occurs, you should stop using the drug and consult a doctor. The combined use of Lugol with other drugs is possible, but not with other disinfectants, for example, hydrogen peroxide.
Can the composition be used in children: information from the instructions
About the composition of "Lugol" (spray and solution), the abstract says that there are no special restrictions in the treatment of children. The medication can be used in newborns and older children. In this case, you need to select the most convenient use case. A specialist will always tell you about it.
It is forbidden to treat babies with severe liver and kidney failure with Lugol. The abstract does not recommend using the medicine in children prone to allergic reactions. In the case of thyrotoxicosis, the composition can be prescribed only under the close supervision of a physician, with regular testing.
Is it possible to smear Lugol's throat?
A special Lugol's solution is designed to lubricate inflamed tonsils and is used in the treatment of laryngitis, tonsillitis, sore throat, and pharyngitis. The thick consistency of the product has a long-lasting effect on the affected areas, destroying bacteria and protecting the throat.
It is important to take into account that the rather aggressive composition of the drug, its sharp unpleasant aftertaste, can provoke vomiting, the development of allergies or bronchospasm. It is not prescribed to children under 2 years of age, as well as to adults prone to allergies.
You can’t get too carried away with Lugol, much less use it without a doctor’s recommendation. Iodine in the drug impairs thyroid function and promotes drying of the oral mucosa. Throat treatment should not replace primary therapy involving antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs. If the doctor deems it necessary, he will prescribe Lugol only as part of a comprehensive treatment.
Doctors' opinion
You have found out whether the instructions for using the drug Lugol for children allow it. From what age is the composition recommended? The abstract does not give any restrictions in this matter. However, doctors have different information on this matter.
Doctors say that 90 percent of the population is allergic to iodine. However, it occurs hidden. Also, the reaction was not detected due to the fact that most people do not consume this element in its pure form and in large quantities. So, is it possible to use the composition as stated in the instructions for the drug “Lugol” (for children)? At what age do doctors allow the solution to be used on a child without fear?
Pediatricians and otolaryngologists report that the medicine can cause a negative reaction at any age. The composition is prescribed from the very first days of life as needed. At the same time, doctors recommend carefully monitoring the baby’s reaction and, if necessary, urgently contacting specialists.
How does Lugol work?
The therapeutic effect of Lugol is due to the iodine included in the composition, which has an antiseptic effect against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Lugol's spectrum of action is quite broad, but it is ineffective against staphylococcal infections and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Iodine, which is part of Lugol's composition, also acts as a local irritant, which is expressed in increased mucus secretion, as well as in provoking sneezing and cough reflex.
This is a useful effect for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the mucous membranes, as it allows a large volume of mucus to wash away pathogens.
Lugol's solution is absorbed into the bloodstream from the mucous membranes and skin. If Lugol is applied to a large area of the skin, iodine will accumulate in the thyroid tissues and can take part in the metabolism of thyroid hormones.
Unlike antibiotics, addiction does not develop to Lugol.
Indications for use
Rinsing with Lugol, like irrigating the tonsils, is prescribed for children and adults after infectious diseases of the oral cavity and pharynx are detected. The composition is often recommended for sore throat and tonsillitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis.
It is worth noting that for greater effectiveness, after using the medication you should refrain from drinking and eating for at least half an hour. Such long-term exposure to the drug will show good results after just a few days of treatment.
Gargling with Lugol
Rinsing is less likely to cause adverse reactions than treatment with an undiluted solution. Under no circumstances should such a solution be swallowed.
A solution with glycerin is most often used for catarrhal tonsillitis and tonsillitis. The treatment helps to destroy pathogenic bacteria by disinfecting the laryngeal mucosa. Lubricate the pharynx with caution in case of severe lacunar tonsillitis, because the thick solution interferes with the free outflow of pus from the lacunae.
"Lugol" for children: instructions
You already know how many years the composition has been used. The medication is recommended to be used in a certain form depending on age.
- Doctors do not recommend using the spray for children under 3-4 years old. This ban is explained by the possibility of inhaling the drug. In this case, there is a possibility of developing bronchospasm.
- If your baby is not yet one year old, then you should apply the composition to the pacifier. Drop a few drops of Lugol and immediately give the baby a pacifier. In this case, you don’t even have to get into the child’s throat.
- After one year, doctors advise treating tonsils with special tools. Soak sterile cotton wool or gauze in the solution, then wipe the baby's tonsils and throat.
- From 3-4 years old it is permissible to use the spray. It must be applied with one press on the piston. In this case, each tonsil is processed in turn.
- After 6 years, rinsing with Lugol is allowed. To do this, you need to dissolve a certain amount of the product in a glass of warm water. After this, gargle for several minutes, periodically changing the dose of the drug.
The frequency of use and duration of treatment are determined solely by the doctor. In this case, it is permissible to use the described composition up to 6 times a day. You should not treat your throat with the drug for more than two weeks. This can lead to unpleasant consequences.
The use of Lugol in childhood
Since the drug is effective and safe, pediatricians often prescribe it to children almost from birth. But there are some nuances here. Lugol's solution is prescribed for infants; it is impossible to use a spray due to the fact that children at that age cannot be explained that they need to hold their breath. Well, older children can also use a spray, especially since they themselves give it greater preference.
The instructions for use, however, say that Lugol can be used by children only from the age of five . But their own medical practice allows pediatricians to prescribe it at an earlier age. Of course, this is not a call to violate instructions, but just a statement of fact.
The main reason for this limitation is the risk of ingestion of the solution. And this can lead to irritation of the stomach and intestines, and then get into the thyroid gland. All this can lead to a deterioration in the child’s well-being. So before using Lugol, try to explain to him all the precautions and that the unpleasant taste in the mouth will soon pass. It is enough to treat the child’s throat 4 times a day with a small amount of solution.
Consumer Reviews
A specialist always explains how to use Lugol at his appointment. However, in some cases, the doctor forgets to inform you that the composition can stain your things. That is why you should be especially careful when using it.
Consumers say that the medicine has a very unpleasant taste. This is especially noticeable after applying the drug to the damaged mucous membrane. Many people feel at risk of burning the delicate surface of their mouth. However, there is no reason to fear. Doctors recommend the composition even for small children. In this case, you just need to follow the dose and regimen of the medication. Do not exceed the self-prescribed dose. Treat the tonsils and larynx in moderation. Do not allow the drug to flow from the mucous membrane into the throat.
Doctors say that even if the composition is swallowed, there is no danger. The drug is quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and excreted from the body. However, this does not mean that the solution can be taken orally. Doctors also remind about the danger of getting the composition into the eyes. In such a situation, you need to thoroughly rinse your vision with clean water and see a specialist.
Reviews of Lugol solution and spray
Among the advantages of the solution in reviews about it, its effectiveness and inexpensive price are most often noted, and among the disadvantages are the effect on the thyroid gland, in which iodine accumulates, and an unpleasant taste. Here are just a few of them.
The child was only eight years old when he fell ill with stomatitis. His throat and, in general, his entire oral cavity were very sore. Our local pediatrician immediately diagnosed him and took us to the treatment room, where he was treated with Lugol's solution. And then I myself, having read the instructions for use, continued the treatment. And after about 3-4 days, the disease subsided and the condition improved noticeably. True, we had a little difficulty. Our disease was already in an advanced form, because of this, the child had to endure a burning sensation during treatment. And he didn't want this procedure. But this was only in the first days, then it became easier.
Marianna, Krasnodar
The effect of using Lugol with glycerin occurs almost the first time. I remember this from childhood, when my mother treated her throat with this remedy. But from childhood I also remembered its disgusting taste; this was more important to me then. Therefore, now I myself use Lugol when my throat hurts, but I don’t give it to my daughter. I try to choose something more pleasant for her. Nowadays there is a rich selection in pharmacies, not like when I was a child.
Anna, Odessa
And Lugol helps us do without antibiotics. My son suffers from sore throat very often and we have to use it almost every season. The main thing here is to notice in time that the throat is red. And then the solution takes care of all the problems. Within five days we get rid of the symptoms of the disease and we no longer need antibiotics. Of course, this solution was invented a long time ago, but, in my opinion, modern means are noticeably inferior to it in effectiveness.
Julia, Moscow.
And in conclusion, one more interesting fact. Lugol's solution is used not only for medical purposes. It is also used in microbiology for staining during microscopic studies and is also used to etch gold.
Throat lubrication in adults
Adults get tonsillitis much less often than children, but when this disease occurs, they also treat their throat with Lugol.
Let's look at how to properly carry out the treatment to get maximum benefits and minimum negative emotions.
There are no problems when using the spray. It has a special dispenser, spraying occurs only on the tonsils, only in doses. Spray every 3-4 hours.
In order to correctly and painlessly carry out the treatment procedure with the solution, you should adhere to the following rules:
Before lubricating your throat with Lugol, make sure you are not allergic to iodine. Tweezers or a regular pencil need to be wrapped in cotton wool. The cotton wool should fit snugly to the base. Then the bottom of the resulting tampon is moistened in the mixture
It should be well saturated with the solution. Then they proceed to the procedure very carefully. It is important not to touch the palate and the back wall of the pharynx, but to treat only the tonsils. So, there will be no vomiting. After treatment, a burning sensation is felt in the areas where the Lugol was applied - this is normal. Soon the unpleasant sensations will pass, and the pain will subside significantly. The ban on eating and drinking, as well as gargling after the procedure, lasts 45 minutes. Treatment is required 3-6 times a day.
Alternative way
If it is difficult to smear the throat with Lugol (there is a strong urge to vomit), then you can use a simpler method. However, it is not suitable for everyone, since many people do not tolerate the specific smell and taste of the medicine.
The essence of the technique is to make a cotton (or gauze) swab, dip it in the solution, and then suck. The procedure is performed within 3-4 minutes. Your mouth will feel bitter and burning. The prohibition time to eat and drink after it is also 45 minutes.
Release form
Many people who are faced with an inflammatory process in the oropharynx, going to the pharmacy, find out that this drug is offered in the form of a spray solution.
The manufacturer of the drug produces this product in containers whose volume varies from 25 to 60 grams. Lugol, which contains glycerin, has a characteristic odor of iodine and has a dark brown tint.
When treating pathologies of the oropharynx, the use of Lugol in the form of a spray is of great convenience for the patient. In almost any situation and at any time, this remedy can be used for treatment.
Lugol's advantages
This drug has a number of positive properties in comparison with other drugs that have a similar effect:
By treating inflammation that occurs in the oropharynx, the patient simultaneously prevents thyroid pathologies. This is ensured due to the fact that this medicine contains iodine.
When making a choice in favor of one form or another of this drug, it is necessary to take into account the fact that the product in the form of a solution is more effective compared to a spray
Flaws
In order to ensure the maximum therapeutic effect during treatment, you need to know about the disadvantages that this medicine also has.
- The peculiarity of Lugol's spray, used to treat throat diseases, is that it has a specific aroma and taste. If you lubricate your throat with this drug quite often, you may experience the urge to vomit. This applies primarily to children. When the throat is treated, the patient may feel a slight burning sensation. Before repeating the procedure using Lugol, children may become capricious and refuse such treatment.
- A characteristic feature of Lugol's containing glycerin is its thick consistency. This leads to the complexity of the process of treating the oropharynx. It is especially difficult to carry out procedures for children. When treating young pediatric patients, it is recommended to use the drug in the form of a spray.
- When a medicine in the form of a spray is used to treat children, it must be remembered that when treating young children, one may encounter a phenomenon such as laryngospasm.
- The main component contained in this medicine is iodine. It should be considered a strong allergen. Therefore, before carrying out therapy with this drug, you should consult with a specialist in order to identify susceptibility to this substance. If a patient has an allergic reaction to iodine, then when treated with this drug he may encounter symptoms such as itching, rashes on the skin, and swelling in the respiratory tract.
- There is an opinion that in case of angina, when pus is discharged profusely, Lugol should not be used for treatment, since the product has a thick consistency and can interfere with the removal of purulent masses from the lacunae. Naturally, if Lugol is used in such cases, the effectiveness of therapy decreases.
- If during treatment with this drug the patient allows the product to get on his clothes, then it is impossible to wash off such a stain.
Analogs
Some drugs have an effect similar to Lugol's:
- Vialine does not contain iodine, and its antiseptic effect is provided by the antibiotic triclosan.
- Iodinol contains iodine and alcohol in its composition. Alcohol prolongs the antiseptic effect of iodine, but the absence of glycerin reduces the analgesic effect.
- Yoxa contains iodine in a complex with polyvinylpyrrolidone; in addition, the drug contains an anesthetic component and alcohol, which prolongs the effect of iodine. When choosing Yox or which is better, you need to take into account the cost of the drug, which is higher than Lugol's.
