History of Lugol’s Iodine Lugol’s iodine, a solution of elemental iodine and potassium iodide in water, was formulated in 1829 by French physician Jean Guillaume Auguste Lugol. Initially developed as a treatment for tuberculosis (ineffective), it became widely used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. In the early 20th century, it gained key medical roles: Henry Plummer popularized its use for preoperative management of thyrotoxicosis (reducing thyroid hormone release and vascularity). It treats i