Povidone Iodine

Povidone Iodine is a antiseptic and disinfectant medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Antisepsis of minor cuts, abrasions, and superficial burns.
• Prevention and management of infection in minor superficial wounds, as directed.
• Pre-operative and pre-procedure skin disinfection.
• Oral antiseptic rinse or gargle when using preparations specifically made for mouth use.
• Ophthalmic antisepsis only when using sterile eye preparations and only as directed by an eye-care professional.

Use the preparation only by the route stated on the label. For skin use, clean the area if needed and apply a small amount in a thin layer; the exact frequency and duration should follow the product label or the prescriber’s advice. Mouth wash or gargle preparations should be used as directed and spat out, not swallowed. Eye drops must be sterile ophthalmic products and should be used only under medical supervision. Do not use on large wounds, deep puncture wounds, serious burns, or for prolonged periods unless a doctor advises it.

• Temporary stinging, burning, redness, dryness, or irritation at the application site.
• Skin rash, itching, or contact dermatitis.
• Staining of skin, nails, clothing, or surfaces.
• Eye irritation if used in or near the eye; non-ophthalmic products can damage the eye.
• Rare but serious allergic reaction such as swelling, wheezing, dizziness, or severe rash.
• With extensive or prolonged use, iodine absorption may affect thyroid function, especially in susceptible people.

Use with caution in people with thyroid disease, goitre, a history of iodine or povidone-iodine sensitivity, dermatitis herpetiformis, significant kidney disease, or those receiving lithium. Avoid prolonged use, repeated use over large areas, and use under occlusive dressings unless advised. Do not swallow topical or mouthwash preparations, and keep away from the eyes unless it is a sterile eye product. Use under the guidance of a registered doctor or pharmacist.

• Lithium may increase the risk of thyroid problems when iodine is absorbed from repeated or extensive use.
• Radioactive iodine tests or treatment may be affected; inform the doctor if povidone iodine has been used recently.
• Do not mix with other antiseptics or wound products unless advised, as effectiveness or irritation may change.
• Mercury-containing antiseptics should not be used together with iodine products because irritating compounds may form.

• Known hypersensitivity to povidone iodine, iodine, or any component of the preparation.
• Use in the eye with non-sterile or non-ophthalmic preparations.
• Use before or after radioactive iodine therapy or thyroid scanning unless the specialist allows it.
• Hyperthyroidism or other significant thyroid disorders when repeated or extensive use is intended, unless specifically directed by a doctor.

During pregnancy or breastfeeding, avoid prolonged use, repeated use, and application over large areas unless prescribed, because iodine can be absorbed and may affect the baby’s thyroid. If needed, use the smallest appropriate amount for the shortest time and seek medical advice, especially before using mouth, eye, or large-area skin preparations.

Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not use if the product is expired, contaminated, or has changed colour or smell unexpectedly. Eye drops should be discarded according to the label after opening.