Skip to Content

Log in / Sign up

wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

How to Take Lugol's Iodine Orally

Download Article

Co-authored by Mohammad Dar, MD and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 References

Download Article

Lugol’s iodine, sometimes called Lugol’s Solution or Lugol’s Strong Iodine Solution, is a combination of iodine and potassium iodide. ^{[1]
X
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?

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid10974943-v4-728px-Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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]
X
Research source}

Advertisement

Question 2 of 9:

Do you need a prescription for Lugol’s iodine?

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid10974943-v4-728px-Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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.

Question 3 of 9:

How many drops should I take per day?

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid10974943-v4-728px-Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
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. ^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
- 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. ^{[4]
  X
  Research source}

Advertisement

Question 4 of 9:

What makes Lugol’s iodine taste better?

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid10974943-v4-728px-Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
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. Make sure to drink the entire amount of liquid so that you get the full dosage of medicine. ^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- 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?

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid10974943-v4-728px-Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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. ^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}

Advertisement

Question 6 of 9:

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

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid10974943-v4-728px-Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
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. ^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- 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?

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid10974943-v4-728px-Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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. ^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}

Advertisement

Question 8 of 9:

Will iodine make me gain weight?

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/aid10974943-v4-728px-Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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. ^{[9]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source}

Question 9 of 9:

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

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/aid10974943-v4-728px-Take-Lugol%27s-Iodine-Orally-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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. ^{[10]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}

Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Advertisement

Tips

Talk to your doctor about any other supplements and medications you’re taking before starting Lugol’s iodine.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Advertisement

References

More References (1)

↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/iodine-and-potassium-iodide-strong-iodine-oral-route/before-using/drg-20062037

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 59,900 times.

8 votes - 50%

Co-authors: 7

Updated: October 27, 2024

Views: 59,900

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.

In other languages

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 59,900 times.

Did this article help you?

Advertisement

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

X

-

-

420

.mwimg a.image{display:none}#header_logo{display:none}#cse-search-box{display:none}#cse-search-box-noscript{display:block !important}#cse-search-box-noscript .cse_q{color:#FFF;background-color:#B3CE9C}.wh_search .cse_q{width:88%}#mw-mf-main-menu-button{display:none;visibility:hidden}.header .search{display:none}#search_footer .cse_sa{background-image:url(/extensions/wikihow/mobile/images/white_mag.png);background-size:22px}.related_box{display:block;background:#EEE;border:5px solid #FFF;vertical-align:bottom;width:127px;background-size:180px;float:left;height:120px;position:relative}.related_box p{line-height:15px !important;font-size:13px;background-color:rgba(67,95,44,.4);color:#FFF;font-weight:bold;padding:8px;margin:0 !important;position:absolute;bottom:0}#noscript_header_logo{display:table-cell;vertical-align:middle;background-position:50% 77%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(/extensions/wikihow/mobile/images/wikihow_logo_230.png);background-size:105px;width:auto;height:51px;padding:0 14px}.articleinfo{display:none}#iorg_free_data{z-index:50;width:100%;position:fixed}#ara_recommendations{display:none}

Design a Mobile Website

View Site in Mobile | Classic

Share by: