Iodine - Lugol's Solution

Topical antiseptic for wound care, surgical preparation, neonatal umbilical treatment, and hoof care; Lugol's solution for uterine infusion in horses. Halogen antiseptic (iodine/iodophor solutions). Mechanism: elemental iodine rapidly penetrates microbial cell walls → oxidizes and iodinates cellular proteins and nucleic acids → cell death. Broad-spectrum: bacteria (including spores), fungi, viruses, protozoa. Lugol's solution (5% I2 + 10% KI): concentrated iodine for uterine infusion, wound cauterization. Key information Topical antiseptic. Concentrated iodine solutions are corrosive. Lugol's solution: dilute appropriately. Systemic absorption possible from large wound areas. Thyroid effects with excessive systemic use. Ototoxic if used in ears with perforated eardrum.

Topical wound use: dilute to 0.1–1% before applying to wounds. Full-strength Lugol's (5%) is caustic — do not apply directly to wound tissue. Apply via syringe or gauze. Intrauterine (mares): dilute Lugol's to 1–2% in sterile saline; infuse via sterile catheter using aseptic technique. Store at room temperature; protect from light. Protect from light. If a dose is missed Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next application, skip it and resume the normal schedule. Do not apply extra product to compensate.

Irritant/caustic at high concentrations (tissue damage, delayed wound healing — do not use >1% on wounds). Iodine toxicity: excessive systemic absorption from large wounds. Thyroid hormone dysregulation. Staining (expected). Hypersensitivity (iodine allergy).

For animals Use only appropriately diluted solutions on wounds — full-strength Lugol's (5%) is caustic and cytotoxic to healing tissue. Dilute to 0.1–1% for wound use. Intrauterine Lugol's: dilute to 1–2% for mares. For people handling this medication Wear gloves when handling. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Iodine solutions — can stain skin and clothing. Caustic at high concentrations. Wear gloves. Eye contact: flush immediately. Keep out of reach of children.

Contact your veterinarian. Topical iodine overdose causes local tissue damage. If significant iodine is ingested or absorbed, iodism signs (excessive salivation, nasal discharge, skin rash) may develop.