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Overview

Povidone Iodine

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Povidone Iodine

Povidone Iodine is an antiseptic drug, used to treat minor wounds, burns and infections by killing bacteria. It oxidises cell constituents and inactivates proteins by iodinating them. Povidone Iodine is also used as a disinfectant before and after surgery to disinfect the skin of patients and the hands of the healthcare provider.

Side effects include skin irritation. If applied on severe, deep puncture wounds metabolic acidosis, high blood sodium and kidney problems may occur. Other side effects may include rashes, acne eruption, pruritus and erythema.

People having thyroid problems should not make frequent use of this medicine. It is not recommended for people who are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, breastfeeding or are taking lithium. If you are allergic to any ingredient in Povidone Iodine then you should not use this medicine. To ensure the safety of Povidone Iodine, inform your doctor, if you are taking-

  • Any other medication
  • Dietary supplement
  • Herbal preparation

Dosage for Povidone Iodine is based on your gender, age, other medications you take and your reaction to the first dosage. Different medical conditions require different dosage instructions as per your doctor’s prescriptions. It takes a few days for the full benefit of the drug to take effect. In case of overdose contact your doctor or visit the casualty department of the nearest hospital immediately.

Povidone Iodine is highly toxic if ingested; sodium thiosulfate is the most effective chemical antidote; patient must avoid contact with eyes while using it.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Povidone Iodine

    • Oral Infections

      Povidone Iodine is used for the prevention and treatment of infections in the mouth.

    • Minor Wounds

      Povidone Iodine is used for the prevention and treatment of skin infection on the skin. It is used as an antiseptic and first aid for minor cuts, grazes, abrasions, and blisters.

    • Vaginal Candidiasis

      Povidone Iodine is also used to prevent and treat the fungal infection of the vagina. It may be used in combination with other medicines for better results.

    • Skin Disinfectant

      Povidone Iodine is also used to clean a patient's skin before a surgical procedure is performed.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Povidone Iodine ?

    • Allergy

      Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a known history of allergy to iodine.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Povidone Iodine ?

    • Skin Irritation

    • Allergic Skin Reaction

    • Redness Of Skin

    • Acneiform Eruptions

    • Thyroid Imbalances

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Povidone Iodine

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The duration of time for which Povidone Iodine is effective varies depending on the site and mode of application.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The effect of Povidone Iodine starts immediately after application on the skin.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      Use of this medicine is not recommended if you are pregnant. It can be used only when the potential benefits outweigh the risks involved. Non-prescription use of this medicine should be avoided by pregnant women.

    • Is it habit forming?

      No habit forming tendencies were reported.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      Use of this medicine is not recommended for breastfeeding women. However, if it becomes absolutely necessary to use this medicine, then breastfeeding should be discontinued. Consult your doctor before using this medicine.

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      No relevant information available or established.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      No relevant information available or established.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      No relevant information available or established.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      No relevant information available or established.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Missed Dose instructions

      Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled application, then the missed dose can be skipped.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Contact a doctor if you have used too much of povidone iodine or have accidently swallowed the medicine. Symptoms of overdose may include a metallic taste in the mouth, increased salivation, burning or pain sensation in the mouth or throat, diarrhea etc. Immediate medical intervention may be needed if the overdose is severe.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    Where is the Povidone Iodine approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Povidone Iodine

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Povidone Iodine as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medication acts by releasing iodine slowly on the skin surface. The released iodine stops the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes. This results in the lysis of susceptible microorganisms.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Povidone Iodine ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Alcohol

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

        Information not available.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Lithium

        This medicine should not be used while you are on lithium therapy. Contact your doctor if any side effects are observed.

        Collagenase

        This medicine should not be used with collagenase. Povidone iodine or other skin antiseptics may reduce the effect of collagenase when applied together.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Thyroid Disorders

        This medicine should be used with caution in patients having an active thyroid hormone disorder. Any instance indicative of an imbalance in thyroid hormone should be reported to the doctor.
      • Interaction with Food

        Information not available.

      FAQs about Povidone Iodine

      • Ques : Is Povidone Iodine the same as betadine?

        Ans : Yes. Betadine is the brand (proprietary) name of povidone-iodine.

      • Ques : Is Povidone Iodine the same as iodine or iodine tincture?

        Ans : No. It is the stable chemical complex of povidone (polyvinylpyrrolidone i.e. PVP) and elemental iodine.

      • Ques : Does Povidone Iodine kill yeast, bacteria or fungus?

        Ans : Yes, being disinfectant and antiseptic, Povidone-iodine inhibits the growth and development of microorganisms.

      • Ques : Does Povidone Iodine burn, stain, sting or hurt?

        Ans : The topical application of povidone-iodine may cause slight irritation. Temporary staining of the affected area is also possible. However, it is not a matter of concern and gets resolved quickly.

      • Ques : Is Povidone Iodine safe?

        Ans : It is safe when used at prescribed dose and duration as directed by a doctor.

      • Ques : Does Povidone Iodine contain alcohol?

        Ans : No. this drug is a stable chemical complex of povidone (polyvinylpyrrolidone i.e. PVP) and elemental iodine.

      • Ques : Does Povidone Iodine stain teeth?

        Ans : It should be used externally. It should not be used on teeth.

      References

      • Tobramycin-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 1 June 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/tobramycin

      • Tobramycin-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 1 June 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00684

      • TOBRAMYCIN drop,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 1 June 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=TOBRAMYCIN

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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