What is Povidone-Iodine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

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Povidone-Iodine overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Acanya, Active Injection Kit BLM-1, Active Injection Kit BM, Active Injection Kit D, Active Injection Kit DL, Active Injection Kit DLM, Active Injection Kit Ket-L, Active Injection Kit Ketmarc-L, Active Injection Kit LM-2, Active Injection Kit LM-DEP, Active Injection Kit LM-Dep-1, Active Injection Kit LM-Dep-2, Active Injection Kit M-1, Acu-Dyne Skin Cleanser, Active Injection Kit KM

Generic Names:

  • Povidone-Iodine

Uses:

  • Treats skin infections.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Analgesic Combination, Anesthetic, Local, Antiacne, Antiacne Antibacterial, Antibacterial, Antibacterial Cleansing Agent, Antibacterial Combination, Antifungal, Anti-Infective/Anti-Inflammatory Combination, Antiperspirant, Antipsoriatic, Dermatological Agent, Perianal Hygiene Agent, Disinfectant, Retinoid Combination, Salicylate, Non-Aspirin Combination, Sunscreen, Wound Care Agent

Forms:

  • Cream, Ointment, Lotion, Gel/Jelly, Swab, Spray, Foam, Sponge, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin

What is Povidone-Iodine used for?

What form(s) does Povidone-Iodine come in

  • Cream

  • Ointment

  • Lotion

  • Gel/Jelly

  • Swab

  • Spray

  • Foam

  • Sponge

  • Liquid

What are common Povidone-Iodine doses?

  • Tube 28.350000381469727GM of 10%

  • Bottle 30ML of 10%

  • Bottle 236ML of 10%

  • Bottle 237ML of 10%

  • Bottle 473ML of 10%

  • Box 3 Swab

  • Box 50 Swab

  • Pad 10%

  • Packet 1GM of 10%

Common Povidone-Iodine prescriptions

  • Povidone-Iodine
    237ml of 10% bottle

  • Povidone-Iodine
    473ml of 10% bottle

  • Povidone-Iodine
    3 swab box

  • Povidone-Iodine
    50 swab box

  • Povidone-Iodine
    3 swab package

  • Povidone-Iodine
    28.399999618530273gm of 10% tube

How to take Povidone-Iodine

  • This medicine should not be used in your eyes, inside your body, or over large areas of skin. If this medicine does get in your eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse it off right away.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to clean and care for your wound while you are using this medicine.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Some forms of this medicine may contain alcohol. Do not use these medicines near a fire or if you are smoking.

  • Different forms of this medicine are used in different ways. Be sure you understand all the directions before you use them. Ask a pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to clean and care for your wound while you are using this medicine.

  • Different forms of this medicine are used in different ways. Be sure you understand all the directions before you use them. Ask a pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Some forms of this medicine may contain alcohol. Do not use these medicines near a fire or if you are smoking.

  • This medicine should not be used in your eyes, inside your body, or over large areas of skin. If this medicine does get in your eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse it off right away.

What to do if you miss a dose of Povidone-Iodine

  • Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Topical application routeAsk your pharmacist or doctor how to dispose of the medicine container and any leftover or expired medicine.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Povidone-Iodine contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any of its ingredients.

Povidone-Iodine warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or any problems with your blood.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • In some cases, the long-term use of topical antibacterial medicines can cause a fungal infection. Tell your doctor if you notice new or increased pain, redness, or swelling on the treated skin.

  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.

  • Redness, burning, itching, or swelling in the area where the medicine is applied.

  • Unexplained fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Povidone-Iodine interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using cimetidine (Tagamet®), or a sulfa drug such as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, Bactrim®, Cotrim®, or Septra®. Do not use any other medicines on the treated skin unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Topical application routeDo not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. Call your doctor if you are using Bactroban® and your skin does not get better in 3 to 5 days.

  • In some cases, the long-term use of topical antibacterial medicines can cause a fungal infection. Tell your doctor if you notice new or increased pain, redness, or swelling on the treated skin.

Povidone-Iodine side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

  • Unexplained fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate.

  • Dark-colored urine, blood in the urine, or pale stools.

  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.

  • Redness, burning, itching, or swelling in the area where the medicine is applied.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Nausea.

  • Headache.

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

  • Change in the color of your skin where the medicine is applied.

  • Skin dryness.

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