povidone iodine
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.
What is Povidone iodine (Betadine)?
What is Povidone iodine (Betadine) used for?
How Povidone iodine (Betadine) works
Povidone iodine (Betadine) is an antiseptic medication. It kills viruses, bacteria, and fungi on the skin by damaging important proteins that the germs need to survive.
Drug facts
Side effects of Povidone iodine (Betadine)
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
The following Povidone iodine (Betadine) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
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Pros and cons of Povidone iodine (Betadine)
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
Pharmacist tips for Povidone iodine (Betadine)
- Before applying povidone iodine (Betadine), wash your hands and clean the affected area(s) of your skin. After applying the medication, you can cover the treated area with a clean bandage (for the topical solution, wait until it dries first). Wash your hands again after using povidone iodine (Betadine) so that it doesn't get in your eyes or mouth.
- Only use povidone iodine (Betadine) on the outside of your body (i.e., on your skin). Don't put this medication in your mouth or swallow it, and never use it in or near your eyes, nose, or ears. It can be harmful and cause side effects if you do.
- Stop using povidone iodine (Betadine) and talk with your provider if your wound gets red, irritated, or swollen or if you start feeling pain around your wound. Also tell your provider if your wound has gotten worse or hasn't gotten better after a week of using the medication. Your provider can check your injury to make sure it's not infected.
- For the povidone iodine (Betadine) dry powder spray: Shake the bottle before using. Hold it about 6 inches from your wound when you spray. Be careful not to breathe in the medication when you use the spray. Avoid using the topical spray near any open flames or while smoking because it can catch on fire easily. Also, keep the can or bottle away from heat, and don't puncture it. Otherwise, the can or bottle might explode because it's under a lot of pressure.
- Store povidone iodine (Betadine) up and away and out of children's reach and sight. This prevents them from accidentally swallowing medication that was left out. Always put medication away every time you use it.
- Call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away if you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed povidone iodine (Betadine), even if you aren't completely sure.
Common questions about Povidone Iodine
Povidone Iodine contains iodine. But it also has also another chemical in it called polyvinylpyrrolidone. Polyvinylpyrrolidone helps stabilize iodine, so it can work well against germs, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Polyvinylpyrrolidone also helps to lessen the side effects that iodine can have, such as skin irritation.
Most likely. While it's possible that you can have a reaction to Povidone Iodine, research shows that it's unlikely that iodine is the cause of allergic reactions, even in people who are allergic to iodinated contrast media or other iodine-containing medications. Talk to your provider if you have an iodine allergy and you're concerned about using Povidone Iodine. And contact a provider right away if you experience any itching, skin rash, redness, or swelling after using this medication.
Yes, Povidone Iodine expires. Expired Povidone Iodine might not work well, which means that you might be at higher risk of getting a skin infection even after applying the medication onto the affected area. Always check the expiration date of your medication on the product or package before using it. Discard the medication if it has expired and get a new one.
Povidone Iodine typically doesn't sting when it's applied onto the skin. It doesn't contain alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which are usually the chemicals that cause stinging.
Povidone Iodine is naturally brown in color, which is helpful to see where you've applied it. It can temporarily stain your skin, but you can always wash the medication off with water and soap. If you accidentally got Povidone Iodine on your clothes, try using a stain remover along with water and soap to get the stain out.
Yes, you can put Povidone Iodine on open wounds, but only use it on small cuts, scrapes, or burns. You shouldn’t use it to cover large areas of the body or for serious injuries. Get medical attention right away and ask a provider before using Povidone Iodine if you have an animal bite, deep wound, or serious burn.
Povidone Iodine isn't considered an antifungal medication, but some studies have shown that it might work against certain fungal infections, such as nail fungus. Keep in mind that Povidone Iodine is only meant to help prevent an infection, not fight off an infection. See your provider right away for appropriate treatment if your cut looks red, swollen, or has pus coming out.
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Risks and warnings for Povidone iodine (Betadine)
Povidone iodine (Betadine) 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.
Use only on your skin
Povidone iodine (Betadine) should only be used on your skin. Don’t put it in or near your eyes, nose, mouth, or ears because this can be harmful. Rinse the eye with water as soon as possible if the medication gets in the eye. Call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away if you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed this medication.
Allergic reaction
- Risk factors: Previous allergic reaction to povidone iodine (Betadine)
Watch out for signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, such as swelling, rash, itchy skin, or trouble breathing. Please stop using povidone iodine (Betadine) and get medical help right away if you have these symptoms.
Povidone iodine (Betadine) dosage
Typical dosage for Povidone iodine (Betadine)
Povidone iodine (Betadine) comes in many formulations, each with different strengths and directions. To make sure you're using this medication correctly, follow the specific product instructions on the package or talk with your provider or pharmacist about how to use it.
Some examples include:
- Topical solution, cream, pads, and dry powder spray: Apply a small amount or wipe the affected area(s) 1 to 3 times daily.
- Topical ointment, sponge, and swabsticks: Apply as needed by a healthcare provider.
How much does Povidone iodine (Betadine) cost?
$6.47
Povidone iodine (Betadine) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Povidone iodine (Betadine) will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergy to povidone iodine (Betadine)
