Povidone Iodine
About Povidone Iodine
Povidone Iodine is used to treat and prevent common skin infections. It is indicated for minor burns, cuts, lacerations (deep cuts in the skin), and abrasions (where the first layer of skin is scraped off). Skin infections occur when bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms invade the skin and affect the underlying tissues.
Povidone Iodine contains povidone-iodine, which works by inhibiting the growth of infection-causing microorganisms. Iodine can easily penetrate these microorganisms and oxidise 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. Common side effects may include red, inflamed, or irritated skin, peeling, dryness, or discomfort at the application site. These side effects usually resolve during treatment and do not require medical attention. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please seek medical help.
Before using Povidone Iodine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to povidone-iodine or any of its ingredients. Do not use Povidone Iodine if you have thyroid problems without medical advice, as it can affect thyroid function. Avoid using Povidone Iodine before or after radioiodine scans or treatment for thyroid cancer. Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, are taking lithium therapy, or are on other medications. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using Povidone Iodine. Povidone Iodine should be used in children only if recommended by a doctor.
Uses of Povidone Iodine
• Heals minor wounds and cuts: Povidone Iodine helps prevent and treat infections in cuts, scrapes, and abrasions.
• Treats minor burns: It is effective in preventing infections in superficial burns.
• Prevents skin infections: Povidone Iodine acts as an antiseptic for lacerations and broken skin to avoid microbial contamination.
• Used in surgical preparation: It is applied to disinfect the skin before surgical procedures to reduce the risk of infection.
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 (where the first layer of skin is scraped off). It works by inhibiting the growth of infection-causing microorganisms. Povidone Iodine is effective against bacteria (both gram-positive and gram-negative, including antibiotic-resistant and antiseptic-resistant strains), fungi, viruses, and protozoa.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safe and effective use.
- Clean the affected area thoroughly before applying Povidone Iodine directly using a clean applicator or by sprinkling it over the wound. Allow it to dry completely and cover with a sterile bandage if necessary.
- Wash your hands before and after using Povidone Iodine.
- Povidone Iodine is for external use only.
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. If you accidentally swallow it, seek medical attention immediately. Do not use Povidone Iodine if you are allergic to it. Povidone Iodine can permanently stain gold jewellery, so remove all jewellery before using it. Tell your doctor if you have thyroid problems (like an overactive thyroid or swelling in the thyroid), liver or kidney disease, before using Povidone Iodine. Also, tell your doctor if you are taking lithium or getting radioactive iodine treatment. Do not use Povidone Iodine before or after certain thyroid scans or treatments. Talk to your doctor before using Povidone Iodine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Povidone Iodine may interact with antidepressants (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 risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionDo not apply Povidone Iodine to the breast area while breastfeeding, as it may be harmful if your baby swallows it. You may use it on other areas if directed by your doctor.
Driving
safePovidone Iodine is generally safe to use and does not affect your driving ability.
Liver
cautionLimited information is available. Please seek medical advice if you have any concerns about using this.
Kidney
cautionLimited information is available. Please seek medical advice if you have any concerns about using this.
Children
cautionPovidone Iodine should be used for children only if advised by the doctor. Please consult the doctor before using Povidone Iodine to your child.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Use mild soap when taking baths and opt for warm baths.
- Do not walk barefoot at places like gym showers to prevent infections.
- Do not scratch the affected skin area, as this can spread the infection to other parts of the body.
- Avoid sharing towels, combs, bed sheets, 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 break in the skin allows pathogenic microorganisms to enter and invade the surrounding tissues. Bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites can cause it. Symptoms may include redness, pain, tenderness, minor bumps or boils, rashes, blisters, cracked or dry skin, swelling, stinging or burning sensations, pus formation, and itching. Skin infections can be treated with topical antibiotics, and in some cases, oral antibiotics may be necessary for more severe infections.
FAQs
Povidone Iodine belongs to the class of antiseptics and disinfectants. It is primarily used to treat and prevent common skin infections. It is effective for skin infections in minor burns, lacerations (deep cuts in the skin), cuts, and abrasions (where 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 oxidise essential proteins, nucleotides, and fatty acids, leading to cell death.
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 the absorption of iodine. Please consult your doctor before starting Povidone Iodine if you have any history of thyroid problems. Povidone Iodine may also yield false-positive lab results, such as tests using toluidine or guaiac, to detect haemoglobin or glucose in the stool or 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 the wound (minor cuts, scrapes, and burns) has healed. Treatment duration varies depending on the severity of the wound. Always follow the doctor's specific instructions, and they will determine 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 minimise stains, wash affected clothing promptly, and the 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, gynaecological 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 consulting a medical professional.
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 personalised 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.
