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How to Take Lugol's Iodine Orally

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Co-authored by Mohammad Dar, MD and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: January 11, 2023 References

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Lugol’s iodine, sometimes called Lugol’s Solution or Lugol’s Strong Iodine Solution, is a combination of iodine and potassium iodide. ^{[1]
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Research source} While it’s usually used as a topical treatment to prevent skin infections, your doctor may prescribe it orally to treat a variety of thyroid conditions. To use Lugol’s safely and effectively, make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Additionally, be on the lookout for side effects or signs of an allergic reaction.

Question 1 of 9:

What is Lugol’s iodine used for?

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Lugol’s iodine is a mixture of iodine and potassium iodide. Most often, a doctor will prescribe it to you for thyroid issues. It can also help improve thyroid storm, a severe condition where your thyroid produces too much of a hormone. ^{[2]
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Question 2 of 9:

Do you need a prescription for Lugol’s iodine?

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They’ll be able to tell you how much to take and how often to take it. If you have thyroid issues and you think Lugol’s iodine would be helpful, make an appointment with a healthcare provider. ^{[4]
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Question 3 of 9:

How many drops should I take per day?

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It depends on your age, weight, and medical condition. Lugol’s Solution is typically administered orally in very small doses—typically in drops rather than in milliliters. Make sure you thoroughly understand your doctor’s dosing instructions before taking the medication in order to avoid a dangerous overdose. ^{[5]
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- If you’re not sure whether your dosing information is correct, double check with your doctor and your pharmacist.
- Pay attention to the frequency of the doses as well as the amount that you are supposed to take.
- For example, if you’re an adult taking Lugol’s in preparation for thyroid surgery, your doctor will likely instruct you to take 5 to 7 drops 3 times daily for 10 days before the operation. ^{[6]
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Question 4 of 9:

What makes Lugol’s iodine taste better?

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Juice, water, and broth can all help with the bitter taste. Lugol’s Solution by itself can be unpleasant-tasting and hard on your stomach. Ask your doctor if you can mix your dose in with another liquid to make it more palatable. ^{[7]
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Research source} Make sure to drink the entire amount of liquid so that you get the full dosage of medicine. ^{[8]
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- If the medicine upsets your stomach, try mixing it with milk or taking it with a meal.
- If you’re giving the medication to an infant or child, ask their doctor if you can mix it with juice, formula, or milk.

Question 5 of 9:

What do I do if I miss a dose of Lugol’s iodine?

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If it’s already time for your next dose, however, you should skip the dose you missed and take the next dose as you normally would. Don’t take 2 doses together if you miss a dose, as this could result in an overdose. ^{[9]
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Question 6 of 9:

What are the side effects of taking Lugol’s iodine?

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Diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea are common side effects. They may go away on their own as your body adjusts to the iodine. If you’re having stomach issues, try taking your dosage with a meal to help settle your stomach. ^{[10]
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- Many people experience no side effects when taking Lugol’s iodine.

Question 7 of 9:

What are the signs of an overdose of Lugol’s iodine?

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You might also experience difficulty breathing, dizziness, loss of consciousness, or a metallic taste in the mouth. If this happens to you, call emergency services or head to the emergency room right away. ^{[11]
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Question 8 of 9:

Will iodine make me gain weight?

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A side effect of too much iodine is a slow metabolism, which can lead to increased weight gain. Stick to the dose that your doctor recommends to avoid this side effect. ^{[12]
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Question 9 of 9:

Can I take Lugol’s iodine while pregnant or breastfeeding?

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There haven’t been any studies done on the health and safety of a baby ingesting Lugol’s iodine. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor and weigh the pros and cons carefully before taking any doses. ^{[13]
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About This Article

Co-authored by:

Mohammad Dar, MD

Board Certified Internist & Health Policy Director

This article was co-authored by Mohammad Dar, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden . Dr. Mohammad Dar (MoDar) is a board certified Internist based in Boston, Massachusetts. With over seven years of experience in the medical field, he is skilled in epidemiology, healthcare, and health policy. Dr. Dar has had a myriad of experiences in healthcare, including working on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act at the White House Office of Health Reform, volunteering in rural Uganda with public health initiatives, and leading policy and on-the-ground COVID-19 operations during the pandemic. He has also worked on a number of innovative public health and insurance reform initiatives in Massachusetts. Dr. Dar received a BS in Cell and Molecular Biology and History from The University of Michigan and an MD from The University of Michigan Medical School. He completed his residency training at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, from which he received the Golden Stethoscope Award. This article has been viewed 54,824 times.

5 votes - 40%

Co-authors: 7

Updated: January 11, 2023

Views: 54,824

Categories: Prescription Drugs

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 54,824 times.

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