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povidone iodine

Generic Betadine
Used for Wound Care
Used for Wound Care

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Ally Tsai, PharmD
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on October 22, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostContraindicationsAlternativesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Povidone iodine (Betadine)?

What is Povidone iodine (Betadine) used for?

To prevent skin infections from:

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

Common BrandsAplicare, Betadine, PVP Iodine Prep
Drug ClassAntiseptic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
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Avg retail price
$16.03(save 72.33%)
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$4.44
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What are the 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

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

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
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Povidone iodine (Betadine)

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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

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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

Pharmacist tips for Povidone iodine (Betadine)

pharmacist

  • 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.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Povidone iodine (Betadine)

              Is povidone iodine (Betadine) the same as iodine?
              Povidone iodine (Betadine) 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.
              Can you use povidone iodine (Betadine) if you're allergic to iodine?
              Most likely. While it's possible that you can have a reaction to povidone iodine (Betadine), 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 (Betadine). And contact a provider right away if you experience any itching, skin rash, redness, or swelling after using this medication.
              Does povidone iodine (Betadine) expire?
              Yes, povidone iodine (Betadine) expires. Expired povidone iodine (Betadine) 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.
              Does povidone iodine (Betadine) sting when you apply it on the skin?
              Povidone iodine (Betadine) 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.
              How do you get povidone iodine (Betadine) out of clothes or skin?
              Povidone iodine (Betadine) 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 (Betadine) on your clothes, try using a stain remover along with water and soap to get the stain out.
              Can I put povidone iodine (Betadine) on open wounds?
              Yes, you can put povidone iodine (Betadine) 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 (Betadine) if you have an animal bite, deep wound, or serious burn.
              Does povidone iodine (Betadine) kill fungus?
              Povidone iodine (Betadine) 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 (Betadine) 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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              What are the 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.

              risk-warning

              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.

              risk-warning

              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.

                dosage

                Povidone iodine (Betadine) dosage forms

                The average cost for 1 bottle of 237ml of 10% of Povidone iodine (Betadine) is $7.79 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 51.41% off the average retail price of $16.03.
                bottle of topical solution
                Bottle of topical solution
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                237ml of 10%1 bottle$7.79$7.79
                tube of ointment
                Tube of ointment
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                28.4g of 10%1 tube$4.44$4.44

                Typical dosing 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:

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                How much does Povidone iodine (Betadine) cost?

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                Povidone iodine (Betadine) (generic)
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                $4.44

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                contraindications-icon

                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)

                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Povidone iodine (Betadine)?

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

                To prevent skin infections from:

                $4.44 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Neosporin
                Used for:

                • Preventing infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns

                $5.20 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Hibiclens (chlorhexidine)
                Used for:

                • General skin cleansing

                • Skin wound cleansing

                • Skin cleansing to prepare for surgery

                • Hand washing and scrubbing for healthcare staff

                $6.38 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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                References

                Best studies we found

                Acme United Corporation. (2022). First aid only povidone-iodine antiseptic- povidone-iodine patch [package insert]. DailyMed.

                American Optometric Association. (n.d.). Protecting your eyes at work.

                Aplicare Products, LLC. (2023). Aplicare povidone-iodine- povidone-iodine ointment [package insert]. DailyMed.

                View All References (12)

                Atlantis Consumer Healthcare Inc. (n.d.). Betadine® antiseptic first aid products.

                Atlantis Consumer Healthcare Inc. (2023). Betadine cream- povidone-iodine cream [package insert]. DailyMed.

                Atlantis Consumer Healthcare Inc. (2023). Betadine dry powder- povidone-iodine aerosol, spray [package insert]. DailyMed.

                Atlantis Consumer Healthcare Inc. (2024). Betadine solution- povidone-iodine solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                Capriotti, K., et al. (2014). Povidone iodine nail solution is active in treating onychomysis. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

                Durani, P., et al. (2008). Povidone-iodine: Use in hand disinfection, skin preparation and antiseptic irrigation. International Wound Journal.

                Forkel, S., et al. (2020). Improving povidone-iodine and iodine preparations for patch testing. Contact Dermatitis.

                Jianerkang Medical Co., Ltd. (2023). Povidone iodine impregnated- povidone iodine sponge [package insert]. DailyMed.

                Johnson-Arbor, K. (n.d.). Povidone - iodine. Poison Control.

                Professional Disposables International, Inc. (2023). PVP iodine prep pad medium and large- providone iodine swab; PVP iodine prep swabstick ones and threes- providone iodine stick [package insert]. DailyMed.

                U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Iodinated contrast media (ICM).

                Wulf, N. R., et al. (2021). Iodine allergy: Common misperceptions. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy.

                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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