🟤 Povidone Iodine Solution (4% to 10%)
đź“Ś 1. Prescription / Indication:
Povidone-iodine solution is a broad-spectrum topical antiseptic used for:
- Preoperative skin disinfection
- Wound cleaning
- Burn treatment
- Vaginal or urethral antisepsis (diluted)
- Mouth, throat, or mucosal disinfection (diluted preparations)
- Surgical hand scrubbing
đź“„ 2. Description:
- Povidone-iodine is a complex of iodine with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP).
- It slowly releases free iodine, which acts as the active germicidal agent.
- Concentrations range from 4% to 10%:
- 10% solution contains ~1% available iodine.
- 4-7.5% solutions often used for mucosal or sensitive applications.
🔬 3. Nature / Class:
- Class: Iodophor antiseptic
- Mechanism: Releases iodine, which oxidizes cell components, disrupting microbial proteins and nucleotides.
- Effective against:
- Bacteria (Gram-positive & Gram-negative)
- Fungi
- Viruses
- Protozoa
- Some spores
🌟 4. Advantages:
- Broad antimicrobial activity
- Low resistance risk
- Long shelf life
- Non-staining (compared to tincture iodine)
- Less irritating than alcohol-based iodine
- Safe for repeated topical use
- Can be used on intact skin, wounds, and mucosa (diluted)
📦 5. Common Packaging:
- Amber plastic or glass bottles (to protect from light)
- Flip-top or screw-cap bottles
- Volumes: 50 mL, 100 mL, 250 mL, 500 mL, or larger (hospital use)
- Labeled as:
- “Povidone-Iodine Solution 10%”
- “Surgical Scrub”
- “Antiseptic Solution”
🧊 6. Storage:
- Store at room temperature (15–30°C)
- Protect from light and moisture
- Do not freeze
- Keep container tightly closed
👩‍⚕️ 7. Patient Advice:
- For external use only
- Avoid eye contact unless formulated for ophthalmic use
- Rinse with water after use on open wounds or mucosa if irritation occurs
- Do not use if allergic to iodine
- May cause temporary brown staining on skin (harmless)
- Do not use long-term over large areas unless advised by a healthcare provider
- If irritation, burning, or rash occurs, discontinue use
🎯 8. Purpose / Uses Table:
| Use | Concentration | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Skin disinfection (pre-op) | 10% | Apply directly, allow to dry |
| Minor cuts, abrasions | 10% | Apply directly 1–2 times daily |
| Vaginal/urogenital disinfection | 4–7.5% (diluted) | Before surgery or procedures |
| Oral rinse / mouth ulcers | ~1% (diluted) | Short-term use, avoid swallowing |
| Burns / wounds | 5–10% | Often in ointment or gel forms |
| Hand scrub (surgical use) | 7.5% | With scrubbing brushes |
⚠️ 9. Precautions / Warnings:
- Avoid prolonged use on large wounds or broken skin—may lead to systemic iodine absorption
- Contraindicated in:
- Iodine allergy
- Thyroid disorders
- Pregnancy and lactation (prolonged use)
- Not for chronic open wounds without medical supervision
- May interfere with thyroid function tests
- Avoid mixing with hydrogen peroxide, silver, or mercury compounds