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iVIZIA

povidone
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:Last reviewed on July 5, 2023
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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.

When does IVIZIA (povidone) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
Initial effect
HOURS
Full effect
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS

Drug facts

Common BrandsiVIZIA
Drug ClassOphthalmic agent
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
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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:
M
H
D
W
M
Eye irritation

Source: DailyMed

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Pros and cons of IVIZIA (povidone)

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

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
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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.
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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IVIZIA (povidone) dosage

Typical dosage 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-icon

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
Used for:
  • Dry eyes
  • Prevention of eye irritation
$7.20Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
Used for:
$37.23Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

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.

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