Povidone Iodine

Povidone iodine is an antiseptic agent used to prevent infection in wounds. This drug can also be used as a cleansing fluid before medical or surgical procedures.

Povidone iodine is an antiseptic that works by destroying germ cells, so the germs die. Apart from being available in external liquid form (for the skin), povidone iodine products can also be found in the form of ointments, vaginal douches , mouthwashes, and mouth sprays .

Povidone iodine trademarks: Betadine Antiseptic Solution, Betadine Feminine Hygiene, Betadine Mouthwash and Gargle, Betadine Throat Spray, Betadine Vaginal Douche, Dinasept, Erpha-Septan, Ifidine, Povidone Iodine, Solujod, Unidine, Vidisep, Yekadine.

What is Povidone Iodine

 Warning Before Using Povidone Iodine

Even though 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. Tell your doctor if you have an allergy to iodine.
• Consult your doctor before using povidone iodine if you have a severe burn , a deep or large wound, or a wound caused by an animal bite.
• Tell your doctor if you have or are currently having kidney disease or thyroid disease .
• Consult your doctor about using povidone iodine in chronic wounds.
• Be careful when using povidone iodine in children, especially if it is used on large wounds, mouth, or nose.
• Consult your doctor about using povidone iodine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• Tell your doctor that you are using povidone iodine before having thyroid function tests or other medical tests. The use of povidone iodine has the potential to interfere with the results of thyroid function tests.
• Consult your doctor about using povidone iodine if you are currently taking other medications, including supplements and herbal products, to anticipate drug interactions.
• Immediately go to the doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug after using povidone iodine.

Dosage and Rules for Using Povidone Iodine

Povidone iodine dosage varies for each patient. The following is a general dose of povidone iodine based on the form of the drug and the intended use:

1. Liquid external medicine or ointment containing povidone iodine 5–10%

Purpose: Overcome infection of the skin or prevent infection of the wound

Dosage for adults and children aged ≥2 years : Apply or spray to infected or injured skin as needed.

2. Mouthwash containing 1% povidone iodine

Purpose: Overcome or prevent infections in the oral cavity and throat

Dosage for adults and children aged > 6 years : 10 ml gargle for 30 seconds. Do it 4 times a day with an interval of 3-4 hours, for 14 days or according to directions for use or doctor's advice.

3. Spray the mouth and throat

Purpose: Prevent or treat sore throats and canker sores

Dosage for adults: Spray into the mouth and throat 3–4 times a day as needed.

4. Vaginal douches

Purpose: Overcoming irritation or infection in the vagina

Dosage for adults: Wash into the intimate area, 1 time a day, for 5-7 days.

How to use Povidone Iodine correctly

Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the information printed on the povidone iodine packaging before starting to use it.

Do not use povidone iodine for more than 1 week, unless advised by a doctor. If the complaint has not improved after using povidone iodine for 7 days, consult your condition with your doctor.

How to use povidone iodine depends on the form of the drug. Be sure to wash your hands before and after using povidone iodine.

Before using povidone iodine for wounds, clean and dry the surface of the skin that will be treated first. Apply enough medicine to the wound and wait for it to dry before applying a bandage. Do not use a bandage that is too strong because it will interfere with the wound healing process.

Avoid contact with the eyes and inside of the nose or mouth when using povidone iodine on wounds. If the part is accidentally exposed, rinse immediately with water until clean. If necessary, consult a doctor if irritation appears in the eyes.

Stop using povidone iodine on wounds that have healed. Check with your doctor if the wound doesn't heal and you develop pain, swelling, or fever.

To use povidone iodine mouthwash, swish the liquid for 30 seconds and then spit it out. Do not swallow mouthwash. If available, use the measuring cup included in the package. For oral povidone iodine spray , shake the package before spraying the medicine into the mouth or throat.

Check with your doctor if complaints of canker sores or sore throat are getting worse, or if you have a fever, headache, and nausea and vomiting.

To treat infection or irritation in the vagina, wash the povidone iodine vaginal douche all over the intimate area using the container or applicator available in the package. Let stand for 1 minute, then rinse with water until clean.

Close tightly the povidone iodine packaging that has been used and store it in a cool place and protected from sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.

Povidone Iodine Interactions with Other Drugs

Povidone iodine may increase the risk of developing thyroid disorders when used with lithium .

Povidone Iodine Side Effects and Dangers

The side effects of using povidone iodine depend on the form of the drug used. In general, side effects that may arise are irritation, itching, or burning sensation on the skin or the inside of the mouth that is subject to the drug.

Check with your doctor if the side effects mentioned above continue or get worse.

Tell your doctor if after using povidone iodine vaginal douche you have complaints in the form of:

• Pain in the vagina
• Dry vagina
• Swollen vagina
• Vaginal irritation worsens

Immediately see a doctor if an allergic drug reaction appears after using povidone iodine which can be characterized by certain symptoms, such as the appearance of an itchy skin rash, swelling of the lips and eyelids, or difficulty breathing.