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Povidone-iodine topical formulations

Povidone iodine is a topical medication that decreases your risk of developing a skin or eye infection. Follow the instructions on the label to safely use this product as directed.

What is this medication?

POVIDONE IODINE (poe-vee-don ahy-uh-din) is used on the skin to decrease risk of infection. This medicine is also used as a surgical hand scrub and to wash the skin and surface of the eye before surgery to help prevent infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Betadine, First Aid, GRx Dyne, GRx Dyne Scrub, Povidex, Povidex Peri

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What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•skin conditions or sensitivity

•an unusual or allergic reaction to povidone-iodine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Only the ophthalmic prep solution may contact the eyes. Keep all other products out of the eyes. Follow the directions on the prescription label or those given to you by your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not use this medicine with any of the following medications:

•benzoin tincture

•hydrogen peroxide 3%

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. This medicine can make certain skin conditions worse. Only use it for conditions for which your doctor or health care professional has prescribed. Unless told to do so by your doctor or health care professional, do not use for longer than 1 week or over large areas of the body.

Do not take this medicine by mouth. Except for the ophthalmic prep solution, contact with your eyes should be avoided. If contact with the eyes occur, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•eye pain

•skin redness, irritation

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Keep this medicine in the original container. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of use.

Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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