Lugol’s iodine, sometimes called Lugol’s Solution or Lugol’s Strong Iodine Solution, is a combination of iodine and potassium iodide.[1] 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 3 of 9:

How many drops should I take per day?

  1. 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]
    • 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?

  1. 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] Make sure to drink the entire amount of liquid so that you get the full dosage of medicine.[8]
    • 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.

About This Article

Mohammad Dar, MD
Co-authored by:
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 39,110 times.
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Co-authors: 7
Updated: January 11, 2023
Views: 39,110
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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