Lugol's Solution
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Lugol's Solution is an aqueous solution of iodine with potassium iodide, used both therapeutically and in laboratory practices. It was employed in the 1930s for treating Basedow's disease with small iodine doses and for staining microscopic preparations.
Encyclopedia article (1928–1936)
LUGOL'S SOLUTION, Solutio Lugoli, aqueous solution of metallic iodine together with potassium iodide. The ratio of individual components of L. s. varies in different pharmacopoeias and prescriptions. L. s. for staining microscopic preparations: I-1, KI-2, distilled water-300; according to the Dutch pharmacopoeia- I-1, KI-2, distilled water-500; according to the American pharmacopoeia-I-5, KI-10, distilled water to 100; reagent for alkaloids, according to Boshar: I-1.27, KI-2.0, distilled water to 100. L. s. is used as an iodine preparation (see Iodine) both for therapeutic purposes internally and externally (for applications), as well as in laboratory practice, for example in staining various bacteria by the Gram method (see Gram's method) in determining the digestibility of amylases. In recent years, L. solution has been widely used for the treatment of Basedow's disease (see) with small doses of iodine; prescribed 3-5 drops 2-3 times a day (American prescription). In preparing L. s. for application to the nose and throat, glycerin is used as the solvent.
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“Lugol's Solution.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/lugols-solution/