Lugol spray for topical use. "Lugol" (spray): price, instructions for use for adults, composition, reviews. Instructions for use of Lugol spray

Lugol is an iodine-containing drug, part of the group of antiseptic drugs, used to treat infectious diseases of the oral cavity.

What is the composition of the medication Lugol (spray)?

The active ingredient of the drug Lugol is represented by molecular iodine in the amount of 1 gram per 100 milliliters of solution. Excipients: potassium iodide, glycerol and water for injection.

The drug Lugol is available in the form of a transparent and thick solution with a characteristic brown color and a specific odor. Supplied in dark glass bottles equipped with a dispenser cap. Sold without a prescription.

What is the effect of the drug Lugol (spray) on the human body?

The pharmaceutical drug Lugol is capable of having an antiseptic and local irritant effect. Used in dentistry and otorhinolaryngology. The mechanism of action of the drug is associated with the bactericidal properties of molecular iodine.

Iodine, which is part of the medicine, has an antiseptic effect. Potassium iodide is intended to improve the dissolution of the active substance. Glycerol has a softening and moisturizing effect.

Iodine is deadly poisonous. The effect of this substance on the bacterial body leads to the development of numerous metabolic disorders that occur in the pathogenic organism, which leads to the rapid death of the pathogen.

Lugol's drug has a bactericidal effect on most gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. In addition, the medicine can inhibit the growth and development of fungi that can cause mycoses.

Some common microorganisms are resistant to iodine preparations. In particular, staphylococci die only with long-term use of such drugs, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is not at all susceptible to this drug.

When applied to the skin, especially when treating large areas, molecular iodine is able to penetrate the epidermis and participate in the processes of biological synthesis of thyroid hormones.

Use of the drug within the recommended dosage rarely leads to significant iodine resorption. However, when swallowed, some of the active substance will enter the systemic circulation, after which it will be directed to satisfy the body's needs.

Iodine that enters the bloodstream penetrates well into most tissues of the body and is excreted mainly in urine and to a lesser extent in stool. Determined in breast milk and amniotic fluid.

What are the indications for use of Lugol (spray)?

The use of Lugol's medicine is indicated as an antiseptic intended for the treatment of infectious diseases of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and oropharynx.

It should be recalled that self-medication can be dangerous. The appearance of pathological lesions in the oral cavity does not always indicate the presence of an infectious pathology. In a number of cases, the problem may be hidden much deeper; in order to exclude such conditions, it is strongly recommended to seek medical help.

What are the contraindications for use of the drug Lugol (spray)?

The pharmaceutical drug Lugol (spray) instructions for use are prohibited for treatment only in cases of hypersensitivity to iodine or any other component of the drug.

Relative contraindications: severe kidney disease, liver failure, dermatitis herpetiformis, as well as thyrotoxicosis, lactation and pregnancy.

What are the uses and dosage of Lugol (spray)?

Lugol's drug is used to irrigate the oral mucosa. The frequency of treatment is 4 to 6 times a day. To do this, you need to press the spray cap once while holding your breath. The duration of treatment depends on the dynamics of the patient’s health condition and is determined by the opinion of a specialist.

Overdose from Lugol (spray)

As mentioned above, iodine is poisonous. The lethal dose of the drug is about 300 milliliters. Symptoms of overdose: sore throat, cough, bronchospastic phenomena, laryngospasm, difficulty breathing. Treatment: gastric lavage with a solution of sodium bicarbonate or thiosulfate, symptomatic therapy in accordance with indications.

special instructions

Do not get the spray into your eyes. If such an incident occurs, you should immediately wash the affected area of ​​the body with plenty of running water. If a burning sensation or distortion in the perception of visual images appears, you need to see a doctor, being sure to tell the specialist the cause of the illness.

What are the side effects of Lugol (spray)?

The use of Lugol's drug may be accompanied by the following negative consequences, a complex of which is called “iodism”: nasal congestion, urticaria, peripheral edema, acne, and increased salivation.

If any of the above symptoms appear, you should stop using the medicine and consult a doctor. And we are on www.!

How to replace Lugol (spray), what analogues should I use?

Lugol's drug can be replaced with the following combination of drugs: iodine, potassium iodide and glycerin.

Conclusion

Treatment of infectious pathology cannot be imagined without an integrated approach, including the following measures: good nutrition, vitamin supplementation courses, giving up bad habits, especially smoking. In addition, after completion of treatment, it is recommended to return for a second appointment.

The drug called "Lugol" belongs to the group of antiseptics and is used for local or external treatment. This remedy treats diseases of the oral cavity and pharynx, as well as skin diseases. The medicine is in demand among adults, but is often prescribed to children. To prevent it from harming young patients, it is worth learning more about its features and how to use the drug correctly.

Peculiarities

At the present time, “Lugol” is represented by only one form of release, which is a solution bottled in dark glass bottles. Such bottles are equipped with a spray nozzle, thanks to which the medication is applied in the form of a jet to the mucous membrane/skin by lightly pressing the mechanism.

The liquid itself is viscous and translucent. It has a distinct odor of iodine and a bright reddish-brown color, sometimes with an orange tint. The volume of the drug in one bottle varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and can range from 25 to 60 ml.

Compound

The action of "Lugol" is ensured by iodine, which is the main ingredient of the spray and is presented in two concentrations - 1% and 1.25%. In a 1% solution, the amount of iodine per 1 gram is 10 mg, and 1 ml of the drug with a concentration of 1.25% contains 12.5 mg of elemental iodine.

Additionally, the preparation contains glycerin so that iodine acts more gently. In addition, Lugol's composition includes potassium iodide and purified water. Such auxiliary ingredients dissolve iodine better.

Operating principle

The molecular iodine present in Lugol has antiseptic properties, since it is capable of destroying various pathogenic bacteria, as well as opportunistic microbes. It also affects pathogenic fungi, including candida. Thanks to its destructive effect on pathogens, Lugol helps stop the inflammatory process caused by infection. At the same time, there is no addiction to the drug, which makes it more beneficial than topical antibiotics, and also allows it to be used for as long as required.

Note that the spectrum of action of the drug on microbial and fungal cells is very wide - the spray affects a large number of different microorganisms, which makes it possible to use it for almost any infection of the skin or mucous membrane. At the same time, staphylococci are noted to be relatively resistant to iodine, although with regular and sufficiently long-term treatment, Lugol can destroy such bacteria. But the drug does not work on Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Molecular iodine also has a local irritant effect. The drug increases mucus production, which may cause sneezing or coughing.

However, this effect is beneficial for infections of the mucous membranes, since due to the large volume of mucus, pathogenic bacteria are washed off from the membrane and die faster under the influence of lysozyme and other active substances in the secretion.

It is worth noting that "Lugol" after treating the affected tissues is able to be absorbed into the blood. If you lubricate a small area with the preparation, the amount of absorbed iodine is not so significant and is almost imperceptible. However, when sprayed over a large area of ​​the mucous membrane or skin, the release of iodine into the blood will be large. This is important to consider in childhood, when the barrier function of the skin is not yet as strong as in adults.

Indications

Lugol treatment is used:

• when the pharynx or oral cavity is affected by bacteria or other pathogens, for example, with tonsillitis, pharyngitis or laryngitis;
• with purulent external otitis;
• for boils, suppuration of scratches, erysipelas and other skin infections;
• for skin wounds;
• for burns of 1-2 degrees and in case of complications (in case of secondary infection).

Is it allowed to be used on children?

"Lugol" is often prescribed to children, as it is considered safe by pediatricians in childhood. Usually in pediatric practice it is used for sore throats and pharyngitis, as a drug for treating an inflamed throat. In our country, it is prescribed from birth, although in the instructions for the spray you can see age restrictions (different manufacturers indicate the age of 5 years or 12 years as contraindications).

The widespread use of Lugol in children is associated with long-term monitoring of the effect of this solution on the child’s body. This remedy has been prescribed for many decades, and during this period pediatricians have become convinced that the medication is effective and harmless. However, there are many pediatricians, including Dr. Komarovsky, who consider this drug to be outdated. In their opinion, many more modern local products are now being produced, which have fewer contraindications and side effects.

It is also important to note that it is not recommended to spray Lugol at an early age, because the youngest patients cannot hold their breath upon request. For this reason, in infants and children aged 2-3 years, it is more advisable to apply the solution using a cotton swab.

Contraindications

Treatment with Lugol is prohibited if you are hypersensitive to iodine or other ingredients of the drug. If a child has been diagnosed with kidney disease, liver pathology or dermatitis herpetiformis, the solution should be used with caution.

There are also restrictions for treatment with Lugol for patients with thyroid diseases, since excess iodine accumulates in this organ. Such children are not recommended to irrigate large areas. The drug is not prescribed to adults during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Side effects

The drug can provoke hives and other manifestations of allergies. If used for too long, Lugol can cause increased lacrimation, acne, rhinitis and other manifestations of a reaction called “iodism.”

Some children, after treating their mucous membranes with Lugol, complain of tingling, burning, sore throat and similar unpleasant sensations. They usually go away within a few hours and are associated with both the drying and irritating effects of iodine.

If such uncomfortable symptoms greatly bother the child, it is recommended to gargle with a soothing herbal decoction, such as chamomile. You can also use lozenges or lozenges that will soften the mucous membrane.

In addition, it is important that the spray does not get into the child’s eyes. If this happens by accident, you should immediately rinse the conjunctiva with plenty of clean water.

Instructions for use

The medicine is sprayed onto painful and inflamed areas until the patient's condition improves or he recovers completely. The recommended frequency of treatment is four to six times a day.

Holding the bottle vertically, point the tube at the desired area and press the sprayer once. This pressure should not be long, because the solution is sprayed not in the form of a cloud, but rather it is supplied in a stream. If you need to treat a large area or several areas, you need to spray Lugol in several strokes, irrigating the surface in parts.

At the moment when the spray is sprayed onto the mucous membrane of the mouth or throat, the patient must hold his breath. This will prevent the solution from entering the bronchi.

After applying the product to the affected mucous membrane, you should not eat or drink anything for at least 30 minutes. During this period, the drug remains on the treated surface and exerts its therapeutic effect.

Lugol can be applied to the skin in different ways. The method of treatment depends on the severity of the inflammation, for example, if the skin is inflamed in a limited area and such inflammation is not very pronounced, then the wound is first cleaned of contaminants, after which Lugol is sprayed and left for 15-30 minutes for better absorption. The skin can then remain open or be covered with a bandage. This treatment is performed 2-6 times a day until the inflammation completely passes.

If the infection has affected a large area (more than 5x5 cm) or the course of the disease is severe (the patient has many boils, infected burns, the suture is inflamed after surgery, and so on), then napkins are moistened with Lugol, applied to the skin and periodically replaced with new ones.

Overdose

If you accidentally swallow a small amount of the solution (during treatment of the throat), usually no problems arise, since iodine will be partially excreted in the urine or transported by the blood to the thyroid gland, where it will take part in the synthesis of hormones. If the child swallows a large amount of the medicine or the treatment is carried out too often, this can lead to negative symptoms.

For example, excess iodine will irritate the upper respiratory tract, causing bronchospasm or laryngospasm. Burns of the mucous membrane of the oropharynx and bronchi are also possible. If a large amount of Lugol gets into the digestive tract, irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa may occur. A very large dose of the drug can destroy red blood cells and cause hemoglobinuria.

As soon as an overdose is detected, you should immediately perform a gastric lavage and call a doctor. To eliminate the negative effects of iodine, sodium thiosulfate is used. This compound is an antidote and is able to bind excess iodine and then remove it from the body.

Interaction with other drugs

Lugol is incompatible with many other medications. For example, such a solution cannot be used together with ammonia solutions, metal preparations or essential oils. If you treat the skin with Lugol at the same time as other products that may irritate it, this side effect will intensify.

Terms of sale

"Lugol" is classified as an over-the-counter drug, so you can easily buy it at almost any pharmacy. The cost of the drug is influenced by both the volume of solution in the bottle and the manufacturer. The average price of a 50 ml bottle is 100-110 rubles.

Storage conditions

To prevent the molecular iodine in the solution from being destroyed, the drug should be stored in a dark and cool place. If you keep the bottle under the rays of the sun or at temperatures above +40 degrees, the active component will be rapidly destroyed and the effectiveness of treatment will accordingly decrease. The optimal temperature regime for storing Lugol is the range of up to +25 degrees Celsius. The shelf life of the solution is usually 3 years.

Despite the fact that the aerosol form of the drug is more convenient to use, Lugol's solution is no less in demand among consumers. The drug is safe and quite effective, so doctors still prescribe it for the treatment of throats for children and adults.

Composition and effect of the drug

The main substance of the drug is iodine, which has a bactericidal effect against gram-positive and gram-negative microflora and pathogenic fungi. Once on the mucous membrane of the sore throat, iodine affects local metabolic processes in relation to pathogens, and is also absorbed into the mucous membrane and takes part in the production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).

The drug contains excipients - purified water, potassium iodide and glycerin. Iodine dissolves in water with the help of potassium iodide. Glycerin creates a protective film at the site of inflammation and relieves tissue swelling.

Release form

The drug is available in the form of a spray and solution. When choosing its specific form, you need to consider who the medicine is intended for. If Lugol is used to treat a child, then it is better to give preference to a spray, since not all children calmly respond to lubricating the throat - many develop a gag reflex and a persistent aversion to such treatment.

It should be noted that Lugol's solution is more effective than a spray. But the spray is more convenient and pleasant to use. When treating the throat with a spray, tiny droplets of the drug fall on the mucous membrane, but this does not always happen evenly.

When lubricating the throat with Lugol's solution, the source of inflammation is treated more thoroughly, the drug lies on the mucous membrane in an even layer. Therefore, if it is possible to choose a drug in the form of a solution, then it is better to give preference to it.

Advantages and disadvantages of Lugol

The drug Lugol has a whole list of advantages compared to drugs of similar action:

• Efficiency proven over time.
• Economical to use.
• Affordable price.
• Safety. Using the drug according to the doctor’s recommendations, it is quite difficult to exceed the dosage.
• Hygienic bottle.
• The possibility of preventing thyroid disorders due to the iodine content in the preparation.

Disadvantages of Lugol:

• The specific taste of the drug often provokes a gag reflex, especially in children.
• After using the drug, a slight burning sensation may be observed on the mucous membrane of the throat, and therefore many children refuse its subsequent use.
• Lugol's spray can cause laryngospasm at an early age.
• Lugol's with glycerin has a thick consistency that many children do not like.
• Iodine is a serious allergen and irritant, so before using the drug you should consult a doctor to rule out hypersensitivity to iodine.
• If Lugol accidentally gets on your clothes, it will be impossible to remove the stain in the future.

Indications and contraindications

Indications for the use of Lugol for diseases of the ENT organs are:

• infectious and inflammatory processes in the oropharynx (, tonsillitis,);
• atrophic;
• angular stomatitis;
• the first signs of ARVI and influenza.

The drug is contraindicated in the following conditions:

• individual iodine intolerance;
• kidney diseases (nephritis, nephrosis, etc.);
• tuberculosis;
• thyroid adenoma;
• hemorrhagic diathesis;
• pyoderma, furunculosis;
• pregnancy;
• children under 5 years of age.

Instructions

According to the instructions, Lugol for the throat is used topically to irrigate the oral cavity or directly lubricate the source of infection. The product is used 4-6 times a day.

So, how to smear your throat with Lugol? For the procedure you will need several cotton swabs. Soak one cotton swab generously in the solution and treat one part of the throat. Repeat the same with another cotton swab until the entire inflamed throat area has been treated.

Initially, a burning sensation may be felt, for Lugol this is quite normal. After some time it will pass. It is not recommended to eat or drink for approximately 30-40 minutes after the procedure; the throat treatment can be repeated after 3 hours.

It is advisable to start treatment with Lugol as quickly as possible, on the first day of the disease. In this case, there is a greater chance of preventing its development due to the destruction of pathogenic microflora. The spray is used with the same interval between treatments - every 3 hours.

There is another possible method of treatment with Lugol's solution - rinsing. It is believed that rinsing with the drug is no less effective than lubricating a sore throat with the drug itself. To prepare a solution for rinsing, you need to take a glass of warm water and add a few drops of Lugol's solution to it. After this, you need to gargle, trying to keep the resulting product in the mouth for at least one minute each time.

When rinsing, the medicinal solution actively affects the sore throat, providing a therapeutic effect. After the procedure, it is not advisable to eat or drink for half an hour.

Lugol with glycerin

The instructions for use describe Lugol with glycerin as a safe and effective drug that is prescribed for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the throat. The active ingredient of the drug is iodine, upon contact with which the protein fractions of bacteria, viruses and fungi undergo a coagulation process and die.

Glycerin has an enveloping effect, due to which the medicine is distributed evenly at the site of inflammation, a prolonged antimicrobial effect is achieved, and tissue swelling is eliminated.

Lugol for children

Children often suffer from diseases of the upper respiratory tract, but is it possible to smear the throat with Lugol in childhood? When the first signs appear, doctors advise using Lugol in the form of a spray, since irrigation of the oropharynx will be accompanied by minimal discomfort compared to lubrication. The frequency of use of the drug and the duration of the course of treatment are determined by the doctor.

The instructions for Lugol state that the drug is contraindicated in patients whose age is less than 5 years. This prohibition is due to the peculiarity of children at an early age - the desire to quickly swallow medicine that has an unpleasant taste. Iodine, which is part of the drug, enters the esophagus and stomach, causing irritation in them. In addition, iodine is actively absorbed by the body and enters the thyroid gland, causing disruption of its functions. All this negatively affects the general well-being and health of the child.

Lugol during pregnancy

Lugol's for treating the throat is contraindicated during pregnancy. This is due to the presence of iodine in the drug. It is known that iodine has a direct effect on thyroid tissue and can interfere with its functioning. Disruption of the activity of this organ can negatively affect pregnancy, cause fetal development abnormalities, miscarriage and frozen pregnancy.

Is it possible to smear the throat with Lugol's preparation during lactation? During breastfeeding, the instructions for the drug specify that the drug can be used for therapeutic purposes if the expected benefit for the woman is higher than the potential risk for the child. In any case, the decision to prescribe the drug should be made by the attending physician.

Analogues of the drug

Yox is a local combined remedy with antiseptic and antimicrobial effects, successfully used in ENT practice. The active components of the drug are povidone-iodine and allantoin. The instructions for use say that Yox is prescribed for inflammation and sore throat, tonsillitis, sore throat, the first signs of influenza and ARVI. The product can be used from 6 years of age. Pregnancy and lactation are contraindications to the use of Yox.

Antiseptic drug intended for local and external use. The active substance is iodine. In ENT practice, the drug is prescribed for local treatment of the throat for tonsillitis and sore throat. Iodinol is contraindicated in children under 5 years of age and pregnant women.

Iodine, which is part of Lugol, has a good anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect. Compared to similar antiseptic drugs, the product does not have a systemic negative effect on the body if the instructions for use are strictly followed. The advantages of Lugol over analogues are a more convenient aerosol form of release and an affordable price.

Useful video about treating sore throat

Lugol spray is considered one of the best drugs for adults and children who have infectious and inflammatory diseases of the oropharyngeal mucosa. This remedy is often prescribed by doctors if the patient has a sore throat or stomatitis. In the local market, Lugol Spray has established itself as an excellent antiseptic medicine.

The molecular iodine included in the composition has a fairly strong and deep local irritating effect, which allows you to get rid of bacteria as quickly as possible. This allows you to remove a large number of problems such as ordinary or purulent inflammation, fungus or even various microorganisms. Symptoms disappear within a few days after starting treatment with this drug, which can improve a person’s quality of life during the period of infection.

The advantage of this tool is that that it does not affect the body strongly enough to produce any undesirable results. However, Lugol Spray will also not help with acute diseases or those that require serious intervention from doctors, so before starting treatment you should consult a specialist for advice.

Many buyers are very pleased with the loyal price of the drug - in pharmacies Lugol Spray costs an average of 100 rubles.

Effect of the drug on the body

The instructions for the product explain in great detail what components it contains and how it interacts with bacteria in the body. As already stated, the main active ingredient in Lugol Spray is molecular iodine. Once in the body, it begins to suck out components similar in purpose and included in the composition, thus protecting the person from the development of the disease. Iodine dissolves and leaves the body through the kidneys.

Some diseases require long-term treatment with this drug because it has a mild effect on the body so as not to lead to negative consequences. So, often people who have staphylococcus are prescribed treatment with Lugol Spray from several weeks to a month - the gradual use of this drug allows you to suppress and neutralize the bacteria. Sometimes this medicine is also used for application to the superficial area of ​​the skin, because iodine can have a positive effect on metabolism and trigger some other reactions that are responsible for the high-quality absorption of certain components by the body.

Use and indications for use of the drug

All medicines such as Eucalyptus Lugol have an effect on bacteria and infectious diseases, and are used for local treatment when inflammation is detected in the oral cavity and pharynx. This remedy helps very well if the patient has a purulent sore throat. Doctors advise avoiding treatment with Lugol Spray during pregnancy, as some of the components included can negatively affect the health of the baby.

Besides, it is worth remembering that a child’s body is several times more sensitive than an adult, so some may experience individual intolerance to this drug. When breastfeeding, the use of this medicine is also not very advisable, however, sometimes doctors prescribe it if the expected results have more advantages and positive aspects than the negative effects on the body.

In the instructions you can see a separate paragraph that warns about the impossibility of using the drug with other agents that include thiosulfate, because this component cannot give a positive effect due to the effect of iodine. You should not use various ammonia solutions and essential oils because of the possibility of neutralizing the product - in such cases, the drug only has a negative effect on the body. Elevated temperature is also considered not a very favorable condition for the full effectiveness of the product, so Lugol Spray is usually prescribed only for not the most severe and developed forms of tonsillitis.

Contraindications

Cons of Lugol Spray

Like any medical product, Lugol Spray has a number of disadvantages, which you should pay attention to before starting treatment. Firstly, due to its specific smell and taste, the drug may cause reluctance in children to undergo treatment. Often contact with an area of ​​inflammation in the throat can cause a gag reflex and unpleasant pain in a child. Because of this, the child may be capricious, cry and refuse to take the drug.

Secondly, it is worth considering that although Lugol Spray does not have clear age restrictions, doctors still advise avoiding use for a child less than five or six years old. Sometimes this drug can cause side effects and the development of other diseases due to the inability of the child’s body to easily perceive the components included in Lugol Spray.

The drug itself has a not very convenient form - a viscous and nasty liquid, which can cause difficulty in lubricating inflamed areas, especially the throat. This often becomes a problem in children under 12 years of age.

Sometimes the effect of the drug can cause an allergic reaction. In extreme cases, this process occurs in the form of swelling, rashes and redness. If such a reaction is detected, you should immediately consult a doctor, as there is a threat to health due to the possibility of developing Quincke's edema.

Another quite significant disadvantage is the interaction of the drug with surrounding objects. Getting the medicine on clothing leads to the formation of a dark stain, which is almost impossible to remove with any chemical means - this is a significant disadvantage if it is necessary to treat children with this drug.

The main active ingredients of the drug are molecular iodine and glycerol. The first of them has a bactericidal, antiseptic and local irritating effect on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as pathogenic fungi. In addition, staphylococcal flora is destroyed. The drug also contains potassium iodide, which promotes the dissolution of iodine in water. As for glycerol, this component has a softening effect.

The use of an antiseptic such as Lugol is very effective in treating sore throat at the initial stage of development of the disease. If the patient's temperature rises and inflammation of the larynx becomes more pronounced, treatment is supplemented with oral antibiotics.

Despite conflicting reviews about Lugol, the drug is most often prescribed by doctors as an affordable and generally effective remedy for treating diseases of the oropharynx and preventing possible complications, which may be pneumonia, glomerulonephritis or rheumatism. Until recently, pharmaceutical companies produced the drug exclusively in the form of a solution, but relatively recently Lugol also went on sale in the form of a spray. These forms of the drug have certain differences.

How to use spray and Lugol's solution

The first thing that distinguishes a solution from a spray is the method of application. It is more convenient to apply the solution to a cotton swab or tweezers with a cotton swab attached to it. Some people prefer to wrap a piece of cotton wool around a thin pencil, or even just dip it in the solution and place it in their mouth for a few minutes. The main thing is to thoroughly treat the tonsils and the entire oral cavity with the product to ensure the necessary antiseptic effect. For purulent lesions of the tonsils, it is recommended to carry out at least 4-5 procedures over 2-3 days.

Lugol in the form of a spray is used to treat not only sore throat, but also tonsillitis. It is enough to make 1-2 injections of the product into the oral cavity (with contact with the tonsils) 2-5 times a day, which depends on the severity of the disease. Before injection, you should take a deep breath and hold your breath for a while. It is also recommended to refrain from eating and drinking for 30 minutes after the procedure. It is extremely important to avoid getting the product into your eyes. If this does happen, they should be thoroughly rinsed with water and then a solution of sodium thiosulfate should be instilled.

Advantages and disadvantages of the drug in various forms

The following advantages of Lugol in the form of a solution are highlighted:

• low price (in most pharmacies it does not exceed 20-30 rubles per bottle);
• long-lasting effect of each lubrication procedure (due to its thick consistency, the drug is absorbed for quite a long time and provides long-term protection against bacteria);
• safe use (getting the product into the eyes, exposed skin and clothing is virtually eliminated).

The disadvantages of the solution are the following:

• the drug has a specific taste and smell, which can lead to a gag reflex (especially in children);
• prolonged absorption of the drug may cause discomfort;
• Lugol in the form of a solution is almost impossible to use on small children who cannot tolerate the long procedure of applying the product, and also often cry due to the burning sensation that the drug subsequently causes;
• It is believed that Lugol's solution is not always quite effective for angina, especially with a strong purulent process, since it prevents the exit of pus from the lacunae and does not destroy certain types of bacteria.

As for Lugol in the form of a spray, it has the following advantages in use:

• the product is quickly and easily applied, absorbing much faster than the solution;
• Irrigation of the oropharynx with a spray is more easily tolerated by children;
• various unpleasant sensations caused by the drug are reduced.

The following disadvantages of the spray can be identified:

• unlike the solution, the spray costs about 100-150 rubles;
• The bottle is enough for a small number of procedures;
• when irrigating the oropharynx, it is not always possible to treat all affected areas without exception;
• the spray is not suitable for use on children under three years of age, since spraying the product into the mouth can cause laryngospasm.

Side effect of Lugol

Before using Lugol, it is worth remembering that in general the product has a fairly large number of side effects, but when used correctly they are not so noticeable. This may include possible allergic reactions to iodine and other ingredients included in the drug. The allergy manifests itself in the form of swelling of the respiratory tract, rash and itching.

A separate side effect is iodism - a negative reaction of the body to iodine. Symptoms of this condition:

• increased salivation;
• rhinitis;
• hives;
• Quincke's edema;
• acne;
• increased sweating;
• restlessness and irritation of sleep.

Children and the elderly are most sensitive to Lugol, so you must be careful when using it, avoid overdose and be sure to consult a doctor. If there is a suspicion of negative reactions caused by the components of the drug, the medical specialist is obliged to replace it with another similar antiseptic. Also, when treating angina with Lugol, it is important to be careful and not allow the product to get on clothes and furniture, since stains from the drug are difficult to wash.

For the first application, Lugol's solution is best suited: it should be applied in a small amount to the tonsils, checking the body's reaction. In case of any negative reaction, gargle with warm water and a teaspoon of soda. It is worth noting that when using the product for the first time, patients often experience a gag reflex. In this case, it is recommended to be patient: after 2-3 procedures, addiction to the drug occurs, and the reaction ceases to be so pronounced.

Contraindications to the use of Lugol

Before using the product, it is important to make sure there are no contraindications, which include:

• nephrosis;
• furunculosis;
• pyoderma;
• diathesis;
• decompensated liver and kidney diseases;
• tuberculosis;
• chronic urticaria;
• thyrotoxicosis;
• hemorrhagic diseases.

There is debate among doctors regarding the use of Lugol during pregnancy. Despite the fact that pregnancy is included in the list of main contraindications, there is no scientific data that confirms the harm of the drug in this condition. At the moment, the following features of the effect of Lugol on the body of pregnant women are known:

1. When applied topically (treatment of the pharynx, tonsils and pharynx), Lugol does not harm the fetus in any way.
2. The drug contains a moderate amount of iodine, which is not dangerous for an adult body in any condition (except for allergic reactions to this component). In addition, according to scientific research, most people suffer from iodine deficiency, so the use of Lugol can even compensate for its deficiency.
3. Lack of iodine poses a significant danger to the body of the mother and child: the thyroid gland of the woman and the fetus ceases to function properly. In this regard, the moderate use of Lugol in case of sore throat in a pregnant woman has more advantages than disadvantages.