povidone iodine

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

When administered to a wound, povidone iodine can aid in the mechanical removal of debris, filth, and dead tissue. 

It can be used to clean and sanitise the area by flushing wounds or bodily cavities. 

The broad-spectrum germicidal effect of povidone iodine allows it to kill or impede the growth of a variety of bacteria. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Severe pain on application 

Erythema  

Hypothyroidism in neonates 

Rash 

Edematous erythema 

Acne form eruption 

Irritation 

Pruritus 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• povidone iodine should not be used in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to iodine or any of the components of the formulation. 

Caution: 

• povidone iodine should be used with caution in individuals with known thyroid disorders. 
• povidone iodine should be used cautiously on large wounds or extensive burns, as absorption of iodine through the damaged skin could lead to systemic effects. 
• povidone iodine is commonly used in pediatric patients, it is important to follow the recommended guidelines for use in children, as the systemic absorption of iodine may be different compared to adults. 
• povidone iodine is generally considered safe for topical use, it is still recommended to exercise caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: B 

Lactation: Enters human breast milk and cautious use is recommended. 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

povidone iodine is a complex of iodine and the polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). It possesses both physical and chemical properties that contribute to its pharmacological actions.  

povidone iodine releases free iodine gradually when it is applied to the skin or mucous membranes. Free iodine interacts with the proteins, nucleotides, and fatty acids that make up microbial cells, causing oxidative damage and disrupting biological processes. 

Pharmacodynamics 

povidone iodine is primarily used as a topical antiseptic, its pharmacodynamics involve its antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. By destroying the viral envelope and preventing viral reproduction, povidone iodine can render viruses inactive.

It prevents viruses from attaching to and entering host cells by targeting both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. povidone iodine has antifungal properties by rupturing the cell membranes of fungi and interfering with vital cellular processes. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

povidone iodine is minimally absorbed through intact skin when applied topically. The absorption may increase when applied to open wounds and mucous membranes. 

Distribution 

povidone iodine remains primarily localized at the site of application. It can penetrate the skin or mucous membranes to exert its antimicrobial effects locally.  

Metabolism 

iodine from povidone iodine may undergo metabolism in the thyroid gland. The exact metabolic pathways of iodine in the body are complex and involve various enzymatic processes.  

Elimination and excretion 

The absorbed iodine, after undergoing metabolism in the thyroid, is primarily excreted in urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration 

povidone iodine is available in various formulations for topical use.  

For povidone iodine liquid solutions, you can apply enough to cover the affected area. 

povidone iodine may also be available in pre-soaked swabs or pads. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: povidone iodine 

Why do we use povidone iodine? 

povidone iodine is frequently used to clean and disinfect wounds. It assists in lowering the microbial burden in wounds, reducing the risk of infection, and accelerating wound healing.   

Before invasive operations, injections, or surgeries, the skin is cleaned with povidone iodine. A typical component of the preoperative skin preparation routine is the use of povidone iodine.

In order to lower the number of microorganisms on the skin’s surface, it is administered to the surgical site. To avoid catheter-related infections, the skin around catheter insertion sites can be cleaned and disinfected with povidone iodine.