Povidone iodine is a drug or liquid to prevent infection in wounds caused by falls, burns, or cuts from knives and sharp objects. This drug can also be used as a cleansing fluid on certain body parts prior to medical or surgical procedures.
Povidone iodine is an antiseptic that works by destroying germ cells and making germs inactive. Besides being available in the form of a cleansing liquid used on the skin, povidone iodine can also be found in the form of eye drops, vaginal douche, mouthwash, or spray.
Povidone iodine trademark: Biosepton, Betadine Feminine Hygiene, Betadine Mouthwash and Gargle, Betadine Throat Spray, Betadine Vaginal Douche, Dinasept, Erpha-Septan, Kokodin, Molexdine, Solujod, Unidine, Vidisep, Yekadine
What is Povidone Iodine
| group | Free medicine |
| Category | antiseptic |
| Benefit | Antiseptic that kills bacteria, viruses and fungi |
| Used by | Mature |
| Povidone Iodine for pregnant and lactating women | Category D:There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. Category C (specially for eye drops): Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Povidone iodine can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Shape | Liquids, mouthwash, eye drops, vaginal douchevaginal cleaning fluid, spray |
Precautions Before Using Povidone Iodine
Although it is an over-the-counter drug, povidone iodine should not be used carelessly. The following are things you need to pay attention to before using povidone iodine:
- Do not use povidone iodine if you are allergic to this drug.
- Consult a doctor before using povidone iodine in children.
- Consult your doctor before using povidone iodine if you have serious burns, deep stab wounds, impaired kidney function, thyroid disorders, or have an allergy to iodine.
- Talk to your doctor about using povidone iodine if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Talk to your doctor about using povidone iodine if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Immediately see a doctor if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or an overdose after using povidone iodine.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Povidone Iodine
Povidone iodine dosage is different in each patient. In general, the following are povidone iodine dosages based on their treatment goals:
Purpose: Overcome skin infections
- Mature: 5–10% as solutions, gels, ointments and spray, applied or sprayed on the infected skin sufficiently.
- Children: 5–10% as solutions, gels, ointments and spray, applied or sprayed on the infected skin sufficiently.
Purpose: Treat infections of the mouth and throat
- Mature: mouthwash dosage form, gargle 10 ml for 30 seconds. Do it 4 times a day with an interval of 3-4 hours, for 14 days.
Purpose: Prevent eye infections due to certain medical procedures
- Mature: eye drop dosage form which is dripped 2-3 drops into the eye, let stand for a moment, then wash off with saline.
Purpose: Overcoming vaginal infections
- Mature: dosage form vaginal douche 0.3%, once daily for 5–7 days.
How to Use Povidone Iodine Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the medicine package before using povidone iodine. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Use povidone iodine at the same time to get maximum results.
Don't forget to always wash your hands before and after using povidone iodine ointment, gel, vaginal douchevaginal cleaning fluid, and eye drops.
For povidone iodine used on the skin, it is recommended to clean and dry the skin to be treated first. Do not cover the wound with a bandage.
Use povidone iodine eye drops by dripping 2-3 times the drug in the eye, close the eye for about 1-2 minutes. Then, rinse with 0.9% NaCL solution. Do not touch the eye area and the medicine so that the treatment is not contaminated with bacteria.
Povidone iodine form vaginal doucheVaginal cleaning fluid can be used by inserting liquid into the applicator, then spraying the liquid throughout the intimate area.
Store povidone iodine in a tightly closed storage area out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and in a humid place.
Povidone Iodine Interactions with Other Drugs
Povidone iodine can increase the risk of developing thyroid disorders when used with lithium.
Povidone Iodine Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the common side effects that may occur after taking povidone iodine are:
- Rash on the skin
- Burning, stinging, or irritation in the skin
- Skin feels hot
- Vaginal pain
Especially for povidone iodine eye drops, side effects that can occur are eye irritation, red eyes, or an increased risk of inflammation of the cornea (keratitis).
Check with the doctor if the complaint persists. Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug after using povidone iodine which can be characterized by the appearance of an itchy skin rash, swelling of the lips or eyelids, or difficulty breathing.