Iodine (medical use)
Topical antiseptic and supplement / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Iodine is a chemical element with many uses in medicine, depending on the form. Elemental iodine and iodophors are topical antiseptics.[2] Iodine, in non-elemental form, functions as an essential nutrient in human biology (see iodine in biology).[3] Organic compounds containing iodine are also useful iodinated contrast agents in X-ray imaging.[4]
Common side effects when applied to the skin include irritation and discoloration.[2] Supplementation during pregnancy is recommended in regions where deficiency is common, otherwise it is not recommended.[1] Iodine is an essential trace element.[1]
In 1811, Bernard Courtois isolated iodine from seaweed while in 1820 Jean-Francois Coindet linked iodine intake to goiter size.[5] It initially came into use as a disinfectant and a treatment for goiter.[6][7] The following forms of iodine are found on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines:[8]
- Potassium iodide[8]: 18, 42, 43
- Amidotrizoate[8]: 40
- Iohexol[8]: 40
- Meglumine iotroxat[8]: 41
- Povidone iodine[8]: 41
- "Iodine"[8]: 50 – less ambiguously known as iodized oil
In addition, table salt with non-elemental iodine, known as iodized salt, is available in more than 110 countries.[9]