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Iodine (medical use)
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<p>Iodine is a <a href="/facts/Chemical_element/0jducgWD">chemical element</a> with many uses in medicine, depending on the form. <a href="/facts/Iodine/JlfMecMf">Elemental iodine</a> and iodophors are topical <a href="/facts/Antiseptic/ua05WK9M">antiseptics</a>. Iodine, in non-elemental form, functions as an essential nutrient in human biology (see <a href="/facts/Iodine_in_biology/45UtNjGN">iodine in biology</a>). Organic compounds containing iodine are also useful <a href="/facts/Iodinated_contrast/WCkoRRyE">iodinated contrast</a> agents in X-ray imaging. </p><p>Common side effects when applied to the skin include irritation and discoloration. Supplementation during <a href="/facts/Pregnancy/vEKYGpep">pregnancy</a> is recommended in regions where deficiency is common, otherwise it is not recommended. Iodine is an <a href="/facts/Essential_trace_element/ACv8EG7f">essential trace element</a>. </p><p>In 1811, <a href="/facts/Bernard_Courtois/xy0jl3lA">Bernard Courtois</a> isolated iodine from <a href="/facts/Seaweed/thLwLBk8">seaweed</a> while in 1820 <a href="/facts/Jean-Francois_Coindet/wfz95qA0">Jean-Francois Coindet</a> linked iodine intake to goiter size. It initially came into use as a disinfectant and a treatment for goiter. The following forms of iodine are found on the <a href="/facts/WHO_Model_List_of_Essential_Medicines/6kmu81Xm">World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines</a>: </p> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Potassium_iodide/6023uFnx">Potassium iodide</a>: 18, 42, 43 </li> <li><a href="/facts/Amidotrizoate/H6wuWBLm">Amidotrizoate</a>: 40 </li> <li><a href="/facts/Iohexol/QQso6Dkm">Iohexol</a>: 40 </li> <li>Meglumine iotroxat: 41 </li> <li>Povidone iodine: 41 </li> <li>"Iodine": 50 – less ambiguously known as <a href="/facts/Iodized_oil/ceJIjJxl">iodized oil</a></li></ul> <p>In addition, <a href="/facts/Table_salt/SCplalQ3">table salt</a> with non-elemental iodine, known as <a href="/facts/Iodized_salt/VqYHNmW8">iodized salt</a>, is available in more than 110 countries. </p>