The chief use of iodine is for its antiseptic property. It is bactericidal, sporicidal, protozoacidal, cysticidal, and virucidal. Liquid formulations of iodine are usually prepared in ethanol (tincture of iodine) to increase solubility and concentration. Lugol solution is 5% iodine and 10% iodide in water. Iodoform is triiodomethane (CHI3). Iodophors such as povidone-iodine (Betadine) consist of iodine linked to a large-molecular-weight molecule. These are usually less toxic owing to the slow release of iodine from the carrier molecule. Radioactive iodine is used in the treatment of thyroid cancer. The antiarrhythmic drug amiodarone releases iodine and may cause either thyrotoxicosis or hypothyroidism after prolonged use. Iodine also is used in the manufacture of dyes and photographic reagents. Table salt is fortified with iodine.

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   Mechanism of toxicity. Toxicity can occur through skin absorption, ingestion, or inhalation. When ingested, iodine can cause severe corrosive injury to the GI tract owing to its oxidative properties. In the body, iodine is converted rapidly to iodide and stored in the thyroid gland.

   
   
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   The toxic dose depends on the product and the route of exposure. Iodophors and iodoform are generally less toxic, as iodine is released more slowly. However, significant systemic absorption has occurred in patients receiving povidone-iodine treatment on areas of skin breakdown.

   
   
   
   
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      Iodine vapor.

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