POVIDONE IODINE

Disinfectant that removes and kills microorganisms on skin and mucous membranes. It is effective against bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa, cysts, and spores. It releases iodine upon contact with skin.

Dosage Forms

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Aqueous solution

10% (equivalent to 1% iodine)

Mouthwash

1%

Eye drops

5%

Uses

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  • Cleansing of skin and mucous membranes after injuries and bites (wounds)
  • Disinfection of skin at injection site and before surgical procedures
  • Local treatment of mouth infections
  • Disinfection of rubber stoppers for infusion bottles, medicine vials, and infusion sets (do not use for vaccines)
  • Cutaneous peri-ocular and conjuctival antisepsis prior to ocular surgery

Dose and Duration

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Disinfection of minor wounds and burns

Apply undiluted solution to the affected area every 12 hours after cleaning

Antisepsis of large wounds

Prepare an irrigation (see preparation)

Irrigate the affected area, then rinse with 0.9% sodium chloride or sterile water

Pre- and post- operative skin disinfection

Apply undiluted solution to the skin area every 12 hours

Allow skin to dry between each application (do not dab to make the area dry faster)

Local treatment of mouth infections

Prepare mouthwash (see preparation)

Adult: 2 rinses all over the mouth every 12 hours

Cutaneous peri-ocular and conjuctival antisepsis prior to ocular surgery

Adult and child: Instil 2–3 drops of the solution into the affected eye and leave for 2 minutes, then rinse with sterile 0.9% solution of normal saline until the colour of iodine disappears

Preparation

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  • Irrigation: Dilute 1/4 of 10% povidone iodine with 3/4 of sodium chloride 0.9% or sterile water (e.g. add 10 ml of povidone iodine to 30 ml of normal saline)
  • Mouthwash: Dilute 1 or 2 teaspoons of 10% solution in 200 ml of water

Contraindications

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  • Pre-term neonates and neonates <1.5 kg
  • Disinfection of vaccine bottles or skin site before vaccination (inactivates vaccines)
  • Intra-ocular or peri-ocular injection
  • Concomitant use with topical eye preparations containing mercury as a preservative

Side Effects

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  • Local irritation
  • Metabolic acidosis, high blood sodium levels, kidney damage (after prolonged use or use on large areas)

Interactions

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  • Chlorhexidine-cetrimide (cancelled effect)
  • Hydrogen peroxide (cancelled effect)
  • Vaccines (inactivation of vaccines)

Patient Instructions

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  • When using mouth wash, spit out solution after rinsing; do not swallow
  • Clean the wound to remove dirt and debris before using the solution on wounds

Pregnancy

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  • Can be used

Breast-feeding

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  • Can be used

Storage

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  • Store at 2–8ᵒC. Use immediately once opened. Can be stored at room temperature for 1 month

⚠️ Caution

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  • Do not use for long periods or on large areas of skin, as iodine will be absorbed into the body
  • Disinfection effect begins after 30 seconds of contact. A minimum contact time of 1 minute is necessary to ensure bacteria are eliminated
  • Do not use for irrigation of body cavities (organs inside the body)
  • Prolonged use may interfere with thyroid function tests
  • Do not use with other medicines that are intended for ocular administration, including other antimicrobial agents, because of the potential for antagonism or inactivation of povidone iodine