Povidone Iodine
About Povidone Iodine
Povidone Iodine is used to treat common skin infections. It treats and prevents skin infections in minor burns, lacerations (deep cuts in the skin), cuts, and abrasions (the first layer of skin is scraped off). Skin infection occurs when foreign microorganisms like fungi or bacteria invade the skin and affect the tissues.
Povidone Iodine contains Povidone Iodine. It works by inhibiting the growth of infection-causing microbes. As a small molecule, iodine can easily penetrate microorganisms and oxidize essential proteins, nucleotides, and fatty acids, leading to cell death. Povidone Iodine is effective against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa.
Povidone Iodine is for external use only. Povidone Iodine may cause common side effects like red or inflamed skin, peeling skin, dry skin, and irritation at the application site. These side effects gradually resolve during the treatment and do not require medical attention. However, if the side effects persist longer, please seek medical help.
Brief your medical history to the doctor if you are allergic to iodine or povidone. Let your doctor know if you have thyroid diseases, liver, and kidney problems before starting Povidone Iodine. Please tell your doctor if you are undergoing any lithium therapy or radioactive iodine treatment. Do not use Povidone Iodine before or after radioiodine scintigraphy or radioiodine treatment of thyroid carcinoma. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or are a lactating mother before using Povidone Iodine.
Uses of Povidone Iodine
Medicinal Benefits
Povidone Iodine is an antiseptic and disinfectant used to treat and prevent skin infections in minor burns, lacerations (deep cuts in the skin), cuts, and abrasions (the first layer of skin is scraped off). It works by inhibiting the growth of infection-causing microbes. Povidone Iodine is effective against bacteria (gram-positive and gram-negative, including antibiotic-resistant and antiseptic-resistant strains), fungi, viruses, and protozoa.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Povidone Iodine
- Red or inflamed skin
- Peeling skin
- Dry skin
- Irritation at the application site
Drug Warnings
Povidone Iodine is for external use only. Do not swallow it; in case of accidental swallowing, please seek medical help immediately. Do not use Povidone Iodine, if you are allergic to povidone-iodine. Povidone Iodine may permanently discolour the gold jewellery; hence remove all kinds of jewellery while using it. Let your doctor know if you have an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) or any other thyroid diseases, including swelling (nodular colloid goitre, endemic goitre or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), liver, and kidney problems, before starting Povidone Iodine. Please tell your doctor if you are undergoing any lithium therapy or radioactive iodine treatment. Povidone Iodine should not be used before or after radioiodine scintigraphy or radioiodine treatment of thyroid carcinoma. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or are a lactating mother before using Povidone Iodine.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Povidone Iodine may interact with anti-depressants (lithium), antiseptics and products containing enzymatic components, alkali, mercury, silver, hydrogen peroxide, tannic acid, octenidine, and taurolidine and should not be used simultaneously.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interaction found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Before using Povidone Iodine, let your doctor know if you have any allergic reactions to iodine or povidone, overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) or any other thyroid diseases, including swelling (nodular colloid goitre, endemic goitre or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), liver, and kidney problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safeNo interactions were found/established. Please seek medical advice if you have concerns regarding this.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor before using Povidone Iodine if you are pregnant or planning to conceive. Your doctor will advise Povidone Iodine only if the benefits outweigh the risk.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere is limited information on how Povidone Iodine affects lactation. Please consult your doctor before using Povidone Iodine if you are a breastfeeding mother.
Driving
safePovidone Iodine is generally safe to use and does not affect your driving ability.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases before using Povidone Iodine.
Kidney
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases before using Povidone Iodine.
Children
cautionPovidone Iodine is not recommended for children below two years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Use mild soap while taking baths and prefer warm baths.
- Do not walk barefoot at places like gym showers to prevent infections.
- Do not scratch the affected skin area as it can spread the infection to other body parts.
- Avoid sharing towels, combs, bedsheets, shoes or socks with others.
- Wash your bedsheets and towels regularly.
- Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Skin infection: A skin infection can occur when the skin is broken, cut or wounded. This skin infection allows pathogenic microorganisms to enter and invade the tissues surrounding the wound. It can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites. Symptoms include redness, pain, tenderness of the skin, minor bumps or boils, rashes, blisters, cracked/dry skin, swelling, stinging or burning sensation, pus formation, and itching. It can be treated using topical antibiotics. Sometimes, for a severe infection, an oral antibiotic may be required.
FAQs
Povidone Iodine belongs to the class of 'antiseptics and disinfectants' primarily used to treat common skin infections. It treats and prevents skin infections in minor burns, lacerations (deep cuts in the skin), cuts, and abrasions (the first layer of skin is scraped off).
Povidone Iodine works by inhibiting the growth of infection-causing microbes. As a small molecule, Iodine in Povidone Iodine can easily penetrate microorganisms and oxidises essential proteins, nucleotides, and fatty acids, leading to cell death.
Povidone Iodine is for external use only. Do not swallow or put Povidone Iodine in the eyes. Please read the instructions leaflet of Povidone Iodine carefully before using. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration based on your condition.
Povidone Iodine is not recommended for use if you are undergoing any lithium therapy or treatment involving radioactive iodine. Povidone Iodine should not be used before or after radioiodine scintigraphy or radioiodine treatment of thyroid carcinoma. In such conditions, please consult your doctor before using Povidone Iodine.
Povidone Iodine may interfere with thyroid function tests due to iodine absorption. Please consult your doctor before starting Povidone Iodine if you have any history of thyroid problems. Povidone Iodine may also show false-positive lab results, such as tests with toluidine or gum guaiac, to determine haemoglobin or glucose in the stool or the urine.
Please consult your doctor if you are using any other topical medicines before starting Povidone Iodine. However, products containing enzymatic component, alkali, mercury, silver, hydrogen peroxide, tannic acid, and taurolidine may interact with Povidone Iodine and should not be used simultaneously.
Povidone Iodine is typically used until healing occurs for your wound (minor cuts, scrapes, and burns). Treatment duration varies depending on wound severity. Always follow doctor-specific instructions, and they will decide the duration of usage.
No, Povidone Iodine is not an antibiotic; it is an antiseptic and disinfectant used to heal wounds (minor cuts, scrapes, and burns)
Povidone Iodine can be applied to open wounds as an effective antiseptic, killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi to prevent infections. However, use it cautiously, follow instructions carefully, and consult a doctor for large or deep wounds, as improper use can irritate.
Povidone Iodine can cause staining due to its iodine content. It may temporarily discolour the skin and permanently stain clothing. To minimize stains, wash affected clothing promptly, and skin will fade with regular washing.
Povidone Iodine can be used for skin disinfection before surgery or injections, wound care for minor cuts and burns, gynecological procedures, and first aid for initial wound cleaning.
To apply Povidone Iodine to an injury, first, clean the area with soap and water (to remove mud or external particles). Then, using a clean cotton swab or gauze pad, apply the solution to the wound, ensuring it covers the affected area. Allow it to dry naturally. If needed, cover the wound with a sterile bandage. Follow your doctor's advice on reapplication and avoid using it on large or deep wounds without medical consultation.
Using Povidone Iodine may affect your thyroid, depending on the duration of use and individual thyroid health. Since it releases iodine, which influences thyroid hormones, it is crucial to inform your doctor about any thyroid issues before starting treatment. Your doctor will assess the risks and provide personalized guidance.
Yes, Povidone Iodine can be directly applied to the skin. It's often used to clean and disinfect minor wounds, cuts, and scrapes. Follow the instructions on the product label or consult your healthcare provider for proper usage.
Common side effects of Povidone Iodine are redness, peeling skin, dry skin, irritation at the application site, and inflamed skin. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
People who are allergic to Povidone Iodine ingredients, have thyroid problems (like goiter or Hashimoto's disease), or are taking lithium, children before 12 years should avoid using Povidone Iodine unless advised by a doctor.
Store your Povidone Iodine in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep it tightly closed in its original container and out of reach of children. Ensure it is stored at room temperature and not exposed to extreme temperatures.
