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iVIZIA

povidone
Used for Dry Eye
Used for Dry Eye

iVIZIA (povidone) is an eye lubricant that can help relieve signs and symptoms of dry eye and mild eye irritation. It's available in both solution and gel form. iVIZIA also has an eyelid cleanser that has different ingredients than the eye drops and eye gel. Most people experience few to no side effects while using this medication as directed.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Ally Tsai, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 5, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageAlternativesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is IVIZIA (povidone)?

What is IVIZIA (povidone) used for?

  • Prevent dry eyes and eye irritation

  • Short-term relief of dry eyes and eye irritation

How IVIZIA (povidone) works

iVIZIA (povidone) contains povidone, a polymer (substance made up of large molecules). When you apply this medication into your eyes, povidone forms a coat over your eyes. This helps to protect and moisten your eyes to relieve dryness and irritation.

Are you looking for information on povidone iodine for cuts and scrapes on the skin instead?
When does IVIZIA (povidone) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsiVIZIA
Drug ClassOphthalmic agent
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
basics-icon

What are the side effects of IVIZIA (povidone)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Some burning or stinging in the eye
  • Feeling as if there's something in the eye
  • Blurry vision
When do IVIZIA (povidone) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Eye irritation

Source: DailyMed

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of IVIZIA (povidone)

thumbs-up

Pros

Available over the counter

Has very few side effects, so it's safe for most people if used as directed

iVIZIA (povidone) eye solution can be used with contact lenses

Preservative-free

thumbs-down

Cons

Not meant to be used long-term

MIght need to apply multiple times a day

Eye drops might leak in certain areas of high altitude

Might cause temporary blurry vision, especially the iVIZIA (povidone) eye gel

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for IVIZIA (povidone)

pharmacist

  • iVIZIA (povidone) should only be used in your eyes. Don't take this medication by mouth, and never use it in your nose or ears.

    • To use iVIZIA (povidone), wash your hands, then pull down your lower eyelid with one hand and hold the bottle upside down with the other. Make sure the tip of the bottle is above your eye, but don't touch your eye with it. Squeeze the number of drops needed, then close your eye, and press your finger on the corner of your eye closest to your nose for a minute. Doing this helps the medication stay in your eye and prevents it from leaking into your nose.

      • If you need to use another eye drop in the same eye, wait at least 10 minutes after using the iVIZIA (povidone) eye drop so the second eye drop doesn't rinse off the first one. For iVIZIA (povidone) eye gel, wait at least 15 minutes after the first eye product to use this medication.

        • Don't let the tip of the bottle touch the eye, eyelid, fingers, or other surfaces. Doing so can contaminate the medication with germs or bacteria. Make sure to cap the bottle after you're done with iVIZIA (povidone) eye solution. Always wash your hands with soap and water before using your eye drops.

          • Remember to throw away any leftover iVIZIA (povidone) eye solution after 3 months and any leftover iVIZIA (povidone) eye gel single-use vials immediately after use. Don't use this medication if it's ever cloudy or has a change in color.

            • Stop using iVIZIA (povidone) and talk with your provider if you've been using this medication for more than 3 days and your symptoms of dry eye or eye irritation have gotten worse or haven't gotten better.

              • Some people might experience slight burning or stinging, blurry vision, or eye redness temporarily after using iVIZIA (povidone). If you wear contact lens, consider taking them out before using this medication. This can help to ease some of the symptoms. If symptoms of eye irritation is very bothersome or don't go away, stop using iVIZIA (povidone) and let your provider know.

                • Be aware that once the bottle for iVIZIA (povidone) is opened, the solution might leak if you're traveling on a plane or living in areas of high altitude.

                  • Store iVIZIA (povidone) up and away and out of children's reach and sight. This prevents them from accidentally swallowing medicine that was left out. Always put medication away every time you use it. If you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed iVIZIA (povidone), call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away even if you aren't completely sure.

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about IVIZIA (povidone)

                    Are iVIZIA (povidone) eye drops safe?
                    According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, lubricating eye drops, such as iVIZIA (povidone) are generally safe to use. But keep in mind that OTC eye drops are meant to be used for short-term relief of dry eyes and eye irritation. If you need to use iVIZIA (povidone) for more than 3 days or think you might have chronic dry eye, talk to your provider before continuing. They can examine your eyes and discuss with you about possible other causes of your dry eye and eye irritation.
                    Is iVIZIA (povidone) a prescription?
                    No, you can get iVIZIA (povidone) over the counter at your local pharmacy. Note that this medication is only available as a brand medication.
                    How often can you use iVIZIA (povidone) eye drops?
                    The manufacturer of iVIZIA (povidone) eye drops doesn't say how many times a day you can use this medication. But according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, it's typical for providers to prescribe preservative-free eye drops (like iVIZIA (povidone)) to be used 4 times a day or more. f you've questions about how often you can apply iVIZIA (povidone), check with your provider or local pharmacist.
                    Can I use iVIZIA (povidone) with contact lenses?
                    Yes, you can use iVIZIA (povidone) eye solution while wearing your contact lenses. But if doing so causes blurry vision, then take out your contacts before applying the eye drops - this can help minimize blurry vision. You can put your contact lenses back in after you're done applying this solution. If you're using the iVIZIA (povidone) eye gel, take out your contact lenses before you apply the gel. Make sure to wait at least 30 minutes before putting your lenses back in.
                    Why does it matter that iVIZIA (povidone) is preservative-free?
                    Many eye drops in multi-dose bottles contain preservatives to help prevent infections and allow the medication to have a longer shelf life (the amount of time the eye drops are safe to use). But, preservatives can sometimes cause irritation on the surface of your eye, especially if you use them for a long time. Because of this, providers often recommend preservative-free eye drops for dry eye symptoms. Both iVIZIA (povidone) eye solution and gel don't contain any preservatives. The manufacturer claims that the multi-use bottle of the eye solution is specially designed to filter out impurities. The gel comes in single-use droppers that you throw away after one use.
                    What's the difference between iVIZIA (povidone) eye drops and eye gel?
                    iVIZIA eye drops and eye gel are both medications that contain povidone. They're used to relieve signs and symptoms of dry eye and mild eye irritation. The main difference between the two is when you use each medication. iVIZIA (povidone) eye drops can be used anytime throughout the day, but eye gel should be used mainly for severe or nighttime dry eyes. This is because eye gel is thicker and can cause blurry vision for a longer period of time after application. Don't drive a car or operate machinery until your vision is back to normal.
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                    What are the risks and warnings for IVIZIA (povidone)?

                    IVIZIA (povidone) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                    risk-warning

                    Allergic reaction

                    Tell your provider before using iVIZIA (povidone) if you have a history of allergy to other eye drops for dry eye, such as Freshkote Preservative Free. Watch out for signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, such as itchy, red, or watery eyes. Stop using iVIZIA (povidone) and tell your provider if you have these signs and symptoms.

                    risk-warning

                    Use only in your eyes

                    iVIZIA (povidone) should only be used in your eyes. Don’t put it in your nose, mouth, or ears. If you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed this medication, call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.

                    risk-warning

                    Eye-related problems

                    Stop using the eye drops if you experience eye pain, changes in vision, or continued redness or irritation of the eye. If your condition worsens or doesn't go away for more than 72 hours, stop using iVIZIA (povidone) and contact your provider.

                    dosage

                    IVIZIA (povidone) dosage forms

                    Typical dosing for IVIZIA (povidone)

                    Both iVIZIA (povidone) eye solution and gel contain 0.5% of povidone.

                    Eye solution and eye gel: The typical dose is to place 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed.

                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to IVIZIA (povidone)?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of IVIZIA (povidone). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    IVIZIA (povidone)
                    Used for:

                    • Prevent dry eyes and eye irritation

                    • Short-term relief of dry eyes and eye irritation

                    View Prices
                    Artificial Tears
                    Used for:

                    • Dry eyes

                    • Prevention of eye irritation

                    $5.06 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Freshkote Preservative Free
                    Used for:
                    $35.95 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    Baudouin, C., et al. (2010). Preservatives in eyedrops: The good, the bad and the ugly. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research.

                    Boyd, K. (2022). Lubricating Eye Drops for Dry Eyes. American Academy of Ophthalmology.

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Put your medicines up and away and out of sight.

                    View All References (3)

                    Laboratoires Thea. (2023). IVIZIA LUBRICANT EYE FOR SEVERE NIGHT DRY EYES- povidone solution, gel forming / drops [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    National Eye Institute. (2021). How to Put in Eye Drops.

                    Walsh, K., et al. (2019). The use of preservatives in dry eye drops. Clinical Ophthalmology.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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