Povidone Iodine

Description

Povidone Iodine is an antiseptic and germicidal (that kills germs/bacteria). Its topical forms (cream, gels, ointment, lotion, powder, granules) are used to prevent and treat minor wounds and cuts. Povidone Iodine solution is used to sanitize skin before a surgical procedure is performed. Povidone Iodine gargle is used to treat throat infection. Moreover, Povidone Iodine pessary is also used to treat vaginal infection. Povidone Iodine shows common side effects like application site redness, burning or irritation. If any of these side effects do not resolve with time or worsen, seek a doctor's consultation. Avoid contact with your eyes and nose. In case of accidental contact, rinse thoroughly with water. Avoid using this medicine if you are allergic to it. Povidone Iodine is meant for external use only. Clean and pat dry the affected area and apply this medicine uniformly over the affected site. For vaginal infection, a pessary should be inserted into the vagina. You should use this medicine as directed by your doctor. Povidone Iodine is not likely to interact with the medicine taken orally or as an injection. However, to ensure its safety, let your doctor know if you take any medicines. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding before using this medicine.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Povidone Iodine

  • Skin irritation
  • Redness of skin
  • Acne
  • Thyroid imbalances

Uses of Povidone Iodine

What is it prescribed for?

  • Oral infections
  • Minor wounds
  • Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
  • Skin disinfectant
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Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • Onset of action
    The time Povidone Iodine takes to show its action is not known.
  • Duration of effect
    The time for which Povidone Iodine remains active in your body is not known.
  • Safe with alcohol?
    Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
  • Is it habit forming?
    Povidone Iodine has no habit forming tendency.
  • Usage in pregnancy?
    Povidone Iodine is not known whether it is safe to use in pregnancy. However, it is always better to consult your doctor before using this medicine.
  • Usage while breast-feeding?
    Povidone Iodine is usually safe to use in pregnancy. However, it is always better to consult your doctor before using this medicine.

Allergy

Avoid using Povidone Iodine if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of your face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulties, etc.
Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

Povidone Iodine is not known whether it is safe to use in pregnancy. However, it is always better to consult your doctor before using this medicine.

Breast-feeding

Povidone Iodine is usually safe to use in pregnancy. However, it is always better to consult your doctor before using this medicine.
General warnings

Severe skin allergy

Use of Povidone Iodine should be discontinued if you experience a skin rash, hive (itchy, painful eruptions that sting), or severe itching.

External use only

Povidone Iodine is for external use only and should not be applied in your eyes.

Short-term use

Povidone Iodine should be used for a short duration only as the risk of side effects increase significantly on prolonged usage.

Deep wounds

Povidone Iodine should not be used when the wound is very deep. Avoid its use on broken or inflamed skin.

Burns

Povidone Iodine should not be used in case of severe burns as it may worsen your condition.

Missed Dose

If you missed Povidone Iodine dose, use it as soon as possible. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

An overdose of Povidone Iodine is not likely to cause severe symptoms. However, ingestion of this medicine may affect you and immediate medical intervention may be required.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol

Description

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

Instructions

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine

Lithium

Collagenase

Disease interactions

Thyroid disorders

Povidone Iodine should be used with caution if you are having an active thyroid hormone disorder.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Use Povidone Iodine by following all the instructions mentioned on the label or the package insert. Apply the medication after cleaning and drying the affected area. Pooling of medicated liquid beneath the bandage should be avoided as it may cause skin irritation.
Miscelleneous

Usage does not depend on food timings

To be taken as instructed by doctor

Does not cause sleepiness

How it works
Povidone Iodine works by showing its broad-spectrum germicidal activity against a wide range of microorganisms present on your skin.
Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Approved

Approved

Classification

Category

Antiseptic and germicides, Vaginal anti-infectives

Schedule

OTC

Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. Povidone-iodine. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 23 September 2021].

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Povidone-iodine#section=Deprecated-CAS>

Betadine.com. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 23 September 2021].

https://betadine.com/betadine-products/betadine-dry-powder-spray/>

Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - APLICARE POVIDONE IODINE SWABSTICK- povidone iodine solution. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 24 September 2021].

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=1b460e41-9ac9-43fe-8166-8e09f70aaa63>

CloroxPro | Cleaning Supplies for Business, Hospitals & Schools. 2021. CloroxPro | Cleaning Supplies for Business, Hospitals & Schools. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 24 September 2021].

https://www.cloroxpro.com/>

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Information on this page was last updated on 4 Oct 2021

Disclaimer

We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.