Iodine tincture is an over-the-counter first aid antiseptic that contains 2% iodine mixed with alcohol. People use it at home on small cuts, scrapes, and burns to prevent infections. The iodine in the solution kills bacteria. Iodine tincture is considered safe but not as commonly used as other wound antiseptics or antibacterial gels. Iodine is a poison, so iodine tincture should only be used on the skin.
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Iodine Tincture overview
BRAND NAMES:
Iodo
Generic Names:
Iodine tincture
Uses:
Prevents skin infections of minor cuts, scrapes, and burns
Therapeutic Classes:
First aid antiseptic, antibacterial, wound care agent
Forms:
Tincture (liquid)
How it’s taken:
On the skin
What is Iodine Tincture used for?
Iodine tincture is applied to cuts, scrapes, and minor burns to prevent infection.
What form(s) does Iodine Tincture come in
Tincture (liquid)
2% elemental iodine or sodium iodide
7% elemental iodine or sodium iodide (for veterinary use only)
What are common Iodine Tincture doses?
For minor cuts, scrapes, and burns: Apply a small amount to a cut, scrape, or burn one to three times daily as needed
How to take Iodine Tincture
Follow the instructions printed on the iodine tincture bottle or package.
Iodine is poisonous. It should never be swallowed or used in your eyes, inside your body, or over large areas of skin.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
Clean the cut, scrape, or burn.
Apply a small amount to the wound one to three times daily.
Let the skin dry first if applying a sterile bandage to the wound.
Do not use iodine tincture on a serious wound. If you are uncertain, talk to a healthcare professional.
What to do if you miss a dose of Iodine Tincture
If you forget to apply iodine tincture to a minor wound, apply it as soon as possible.
You can use iodine tincture on the wound up to three times a day.
Iodine Tincture contraindications
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any of its ingredients.
Iodine Tincture warnings
If you have treated a wound with iodine tincture, tell any healthcare provider who sees you that day about using iodine tincture.
Do not use iodine tincture on a serious wound that requires emergency treatment, but ask a healthcare professional for medical advice. Examples of serious wounds include:
Deep wounds
Puncture wounds
Animal bites
Serious burns
Call your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Stop using iodine tincture and see a healthcare provider if:
The wound gets worse
You need to use iodine tincture for longer than one week
Overuse or misuse of iodine tincture may disrupt thyroid function. Use iodine tincture as instructed and only as needed. Do not use it on large areas of the skin.
Iodine tincture is flammable. Keep it away from heat, flame, or sparks.
Iodine tincture is poisonous. Keep it securely out of the reach of children.
Do not swallow iodine tincture, use it in the eyes, or put it in the body.
If iodine tincture gets in an eye, flush the eye with larger amounts of water. While rinsing the eye, use your fingers to pull open the upper and lower eyelids.
If iodine tincture is swallowed, immediately call emergency assistance or a poison helpline and follow their instructions. If there is no nausea or vomiting, the standard first aid treatment for iodine ingestion is to give milk and then a solution of cornstarch and water.
Iodine Tincture interactions
Iodine tincture has no serious or moderate drug interactions.
Do not apply other medicines or cosmetics to any skin treated with iodine tincture unless a healthcare provider says it’s okay.
Iodine Tincture side effects
Serious side effects
Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less Serious Side Effects
Skin staining
Skin redness
Skin irritation
Itchy skin
Sources:
Harris Teeter iodine tincture mild drug information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Iodine poisoning, University of Florida Health
Iodine tincture (Iodo) first aid antiseptic drug information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Iodine (topical route), Mayo Clinic
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