Viodin

Indications

Povidone Iodine is an antiseptic used on the skin and in the mouth to kill germs. It comes as solution, ointment, surgical scrub, mouthwash or gargle, and vaginal products. It is used for:

• Cleaning and preventing infection in minor cuts, grazes, small burns and wounds.
• Preparing the skin before injections, surgery and other procedures.
• Mouth and throat infections and mouth care (gargle or mouthwash).
• Some vaginal infections and cleansing before gynaecological procedures (vaginal products).

How It Works

It slowly releases iodine, which kills a wide range of bacteria, fungi and viruses on contact.

Dosage and Administration

• Skin solution or ointment: clean the area, then apply to the affected skin one to three times a day. A light dressing may be used.
• Gargle or mouthwash: use undiluted or diluted with water as the label says, rinse for about 30 seconds, up to four times a day. Spit out; do not swallow.
• Surgical scrub and vaginal products: use as directed on the label or by the doctor.

Do not use regularly on large wounds or large areas of skin without medical advice.

Interactions

Do not use with antiseptics containing mercury, as together they can damage the skin. Hydrogen peroxide, silver-based dressings and enzyme wound cleaners can weaken its effect. Regular use over large areas may affect thyroid tests and should be avoided by people taking Lithium.

Contraindications

• Allergy to iodine or povidone iodine.
• Overactive thyroid or other thyroid disease (for regular or large-area use).
• Before or after treatment with radioactive iodine.
• Dermatitis herpetiformis (a blistering skin condition).
• Regular use in newborn and premature babies.

Side Effects

It may cause local irritation, redness or itching, and temporary brown staining of skin and fabric. Rarely, allergy can occur. Long use on large wounds or burns can let iodine enter the body and affect the thyroid or kidneys.

Get urgent medical help for swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or severe blistering or burning of the skin.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Avoid regular or large-area use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as iodine can reach the baby and affect its thyroid. Short-term use on a small area is usually acceptable if a doctor or pharmacist advises.

Precautions and Warnings

• For external use only (apart from gargle, mouthwash and vaginal products); do not swallow.
• Do not heat the solution before use.
• Do not let the solution pool under the patient during surgery, as this can irritate the skin.
• See a doctor if a wound is deep, dirty, or shows signs of infection such as increasing pain, swelling, pus or fever.
• Use with care in people with kidney disease if applied to large areas.

Overdose

If a large amount is swallowed it can cause burning in the mouth and throat, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea. Get medical help straight away.

Therapeutic Class

Antiseptic and disinfectant.

Storage

Store below 30°C, away from light. Do not freeze. Keep the container closed and out of reach of children.