What is Iodosorb: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Iodosorb is an absorbent, slow-release iodine gel that helps wounds heal. Intended for use in wet wounds, Iodosorb absorbs wound drainage, pus, and debris and protects wounds from infection. Iodosorb is not meant for everyday cuts and scratches but for chronic and infected wounds such as venous ulcers, pressure ulcers, trauma wounds, or surgical wounds. The gel contains starchy microbeads made of cadexomer that are filled with iodine. The starchy beads slowly release iodine, which kills bacteria. The beads also absorb fluids seeping from the wound. Many people will encounter Iodosorb in a hospital or emergency room but may then be sent home with Iodosorb for home care. Iodosorb can also be purchased at drugstores.

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Iodosorb overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Iodosorb

Generic Names:

  • Cadexomer iodine

Uses:

  • Used for wound healing

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Wound care agent, antimicrobial gel, antibacterial cleansing agent 

Forms:

  • Gel

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin

What is Iodosorb used for?

Iodosorb is used for chronic or infected wounds that aren’t healing because of contamination or infection. These include venous ulcers, diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers, or any infected wounds due to surgery or trauma. Iodosorb gel absorbs drainage, removes pus and debris, and kills bacteria and other microbes.

What form(s) does Iodosorb come in

  • Gel

    • 0.9% iodine

What are common Iodosorb doses?

  • For chronic or infected wounds: Three times a week (or as specified by a healthcare provider), spread a 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch layer of gel on a sterile gauze pad large enough to cover the wound and apply the gauze pad and gel to the wound

How to take Iodosorb

  • Follow the instructions that come with this medicine if you are using it at home.

  • Wear disposable gloves when handling the wound, preparing the dressing, applying the dressing, and removing the dressing.

  • Choose a suitably sized dressing for the wound.

  • Clean the wound gently with a stream of sterile or saline water. Do not dry.

  • Spread the gel on a dry, sterile, non-adherent gauze with a 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness. There should be enough gel to cover the entire wound.

  • Position the gauze on the wound. 

  • Use a gloved finger to gently smooth the gauze so that the gel covers the shape of the wound to a depth of 3 millimeters.

  • A compression bandage should be applied over the wound after the dressing is applied to treat venous ulcers.

  • Discard the Iodosorb tube and any remaining gel.

  • The gel and dressing should be replaced three times per week or as instructed by the healthcare provider.

    • Remove the old dressing. You may need to soak the dressing in sterile or saline water.

    • The Iodosorb gel will have changed from brown to yellow/gray. This means all the iodine has been released.

    • Gently wash the wound and remove the Iodosorb gel with a stream of sterile or saline water.

    • Blot excess fluid.

    • Apply Iodosorb gel to the sterile gauze and apply as before.

  • Do not use more than 1.8 ounces (that’s equivalent to 50 grams or five tubes of Iodosorb).

  • Do not use more than 5.3 ounces in the span of a week.

  • Iodosorb can be stopped when the wound is free from moisture and the wound is healed. Do not use Iodosorb in dry wounds.

  • Do not use Iodosorb on a wound for longer than three months.

  • Store Iodosorb tubes at room temperature.

What to do if you miss a dose of Iodosorb

  • When using Iodosorb at home, the gel and dressings should be replaced three times per week or as instructed by the healthcare provider.

  • If you forget to replace the gel and dressing, do it as soon as possible.

Iodosorb contraindications

  • Do not use Iodosorb if you have allergies to any of the ingredients in the gel.

Iodosorb warnings

  • Tell a healthcare provider about using Iodosorb and about the wound being treated.

  • Use Iodosorb only on the wound.

  • Do not use Iodosorb on a dry wound.

  • Call your healthcare provider if the wound worsens or you notice other symptoms. Symptoms to be concerned about include:

    • The wound or pus starts to smell bad

    • The swelling and redness around the wound increases

    • Pain gets worse

    • Fever, muscle aches, or other symptoms are experienced

  • Although topical iodine is used cautiously in people with overactive thyroid glands (hyperthyroidism), cadexomer iodine in Iodosorb is slowly released from the gel, so it is not considered risky.

Iodosorb interactions

  • Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

  • Used as directed, Iodosorb does not have any significant drug interactions.

Iodosorb 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

  • Burning, itching, or dry skin.

  • Redness, dryness, or peeling of treated skin areas.

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