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Compare Chlorhexidine vs. Betadine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Chlorhexidine (Peridex) and povidone iodine (Betadine) are both antiseptic medications used to kill germs, but they are used for different purposes. Chlorhexidine (Peridex) is an oral rinse prescribed to treat gingivitis, a gum inflammation, while povidone iodine (Betadine) is an over-the-counter topical solution used to prevent skin infections from minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Chlorhexidine is available only by prescription and is typically used twice daily after brushing your teeth, whereas povidone iodine can be applied 1 to 3 times daily as needed. Chlorhexidine can cause side effects like teeth staining and changes in taste, while povidone iodine may cause minor skin irritation. Chlorhexidine is not known to interact with other medications, and povidone iodine should only be used on the skin. Chlorhexidine is available as a lower-cost generic, and povidone iodine is also available as a generic and does not require a prescription.

  • Chlorhexidine (Peridex)
    Povidone iodine (Betadine)
  • Chlorhexidine (Peridex)
    Povidone iodine (Betadine)

  • Summary of Chlorhexidine vs. Betadine

    Summary for Antiseptic
    Prescription only

    Chlorhexidine (Peridex) is an antiseptic mouthwash that's used to treat gingivitis (gum inflammation) in adults. Your dentist might prescribed it for you after a dental checkup if they think you need it. Typically, you rinse with chlorhexidine (Peridex) by mouth twice daily after you've brushed your teeth. Some common side effects of chlorhexidine (Peridex) include staining of the teeth, changes in taste, and hardening of dental tartar.

    Summary for Antiseptic

    Povidone iodine (Betadine) is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that's applied on the skin. It's an antiseptic that kills various germs on the skin to help prevent skin infections. Most povidone iodine (Betadine) topical products, such as the topical solution and cream, can be applied onto minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Certain topical formulations, such as swabsticks, can also be used by a provider to disinfect your skin before surgery. Most people experience few to no side effects while using povidone iodine (Betadine) as directed.

  • Indications of Chlorhexidine vs. Betadine

    Indications for
    •Gingivitis
    Indications for

    To prevent skin infections from:

    •Small cuts
    •Scrapes
    •Burns
    •Surgeries (swabstick and sponge only)

  • Pros and Cons of Chlorhexidine vs. Betadine

    Pros and Const for Antiseptic
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •No significant interactions with other medications or supplements
    •Might work well for people who didn’t see benefits with other mouthwashes for gingivitis
    •Helps to prevent dental plaque
    Cons
    •Available by prescription only
    •Can stain your teeth or change your taste buds
    •Might not be safe or effective for children
    •Short-term use only
    Pros and Const for Antiseptic
    Pros
    •Comes in different formulations, so a lot of options to choose from
    •Has very few side effects, so it's safe for most people if used as directed
    •Available over the counter, so it doesn't require a prescription
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Might need to use up to multiple times a day
    •Can't be used for deep or large wounds or serious burns
    •Doesn't treat infections (only helps prevent them)
    •Can temporarily stain clothes

  • Common Side Effects of Chlorhexidine vs. Betadine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Staining of teeth, fillings, and tongue
    •Hardening of dental plaque (tartar)
    •Changes in taste
    Common Side Effects for
    •Minor skin irritation

  • Warnings of Chlorhexidine vs. Betadine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Teeth staining
    •Change in taste
    •Plaque build-up
    •Allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Use only on your skin
    •Allergic reaction

  • Prices with our coupons for Chlorhexidine vs. Betadine

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    Learn more about Povidone iodine

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