Lugol’s solution

antiseptic
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antiseptic

Lugol’s solution, antiseptic mixture of iodine and potassium iodide introduced into medicine in 1829 by French physician Jean Lugol. An effective bactericide and fungicide, Lugol’s solution is a transparent brown liquid prepared by dissolving first 10 parts of potassium iodide and then 5 parts of iodine in 85 parts of water. It is less irritating than iodine tincture (a solution in alcohol) when applied to open wounds.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Kara Rogers.