Povidone-iodine

Povidone-iodine (PVP-I), also known as iodopovidone, is an <a href="/facts/Antiseptic/ua05WK9M">antiseptic</a> used for <a href="/facts/Skin_disinfection/yV7egSQp">skin disinfection</a> before and after <a href="/facts/Surgery/fG8tWf5Y">surgery</a>. It may be used both to disinfect the hands of healthcare providers and the skin of the person they are caring for. It may also be used for minor <a href="/facts/Wounds/snv0h3Gj">wounds</a>. It may be applied to the skin as a liquid, an ointment or a powder.
Side effects include skin irritation and sometimes swelling. If used on large wounds, <a href="/facts/Kidney_problems/gsqb5nos">kidney problems</a>, <a href="/facts/High_blood_sodium/IKu0CwLv">high blood sodium</a>, and <a href="/facts/Metabolic_acidosis/sSKCKBHA">metabolic acidosis</a> may occur. It is not recommended in women who are less than 32 weeks <a href="/facts/Pregnant/vEKYGpep">pregnant</a>. Frequent use is not recommended in people with <a href="/facts/Thyroid_problems/51xH3TXu">thyroid problems</a> or who are taking <a href="/facts/Lithium_(medication)/G6Gy0nJU">lithium</a>.
Povidone-iodine is a <a href="/facts/Complex_(chemistry)/1tCyeQUm">chemical complex</a> of <a href="/facts/Povidone/lacTojoU">povidone</a>, <a href="/facts/Hydrogen_iodide/tlfNemUK">hydrogen iodide</a>, and elemental <a href="/facts/Iodine/JlfMecMf">iodine</a>. The recommended strength solution contains 10% Povidone, with total iodine species equaling 10,000 ppm or 1% total titratable iodine. It works by releasing iodine which results in the death of a range of <a href="/facts/Microorganisms/pysJYcE2">microorganisms</a>.
Povidone-iodine came into commercial use in 1955. It is on the <a href="/facts/WHO_Model_List_of_Essential_Medicines/6kmu81Xm">World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines</a>. Povidone-iodine is available <a href="/facts/Over_the_counter/QI3FcgRf">over the counter</a>. It is sold under a number of brand names including Betadine.

Povidone-iodine open-in-new

Povidone-iodine