Povidone Iodine

Dr. Ajay Kumar MBBS, MD , General Physician

Povidone Iodine is a brand name for a complex containing elemental iodine and polyvinylpyrrolidone (povidone, PVP). It is extensively used as an antiseptic and a disinfectant. It is usually used in the solution form.

Dr. Manoj Meena MBBS , General Physician

No, Povidone Iodine is not an antibiotic. It is an antiseptic. It is used against fungi, yeast, bacteria, and protozoans. It is also used as a disinfectant for cleaning the equipment. It is used extensively as an antiseptic because of its good safety, efficacy and tolerability profile. It is broad-spectrum in nature and doesn't have the complication of resistance developing to it. 

Dr. Bharat MBBS , General Physician

No, Povidone Iodine should not be used for the treatment of vaginitis in pregnant women. This is because exposure to iodine-containing solution could lead to the development of hypothyroidism and goiter in the infant. Vaginitis is the swelling of the vulva or vagina. It may develop from the use of soap, perfumes, not washing well, menopause, wearing tight undergarments, etc. It can stem from a bacterial, yeast, fungal or a protozoan infection. It can be effectively managed by washing the infected area with only water, keeping it dry, taking a warm bath, wearing comfortable undergarments, keeping the blood sugar levels under control and using pads and not tampons. It is also important to use an antiseptic as per the recommendations of a doctor.

Dr. Saikat Mukherjee MBBS , General Physician

Povidone Iodine is also known as an iodophor, meaning that povidone is a carrier of iodine. Iodine kills the microbes as it acts as the active molecule. Once released from the complex, the free iodine penetrates into the cell walls of the microorganisms and inhibits the synthesis and structures of proteins and nucleic acids. Even though the complete mechanism is not understood, it is hypothesized that iodine disrupts the vital bacterial structures and mechanisms, denaturing and deactivating the bacteria. In-vitro studies have also suggested that iodine decreases the inflammation caused by the pathogens and host cells.

Dr. Vinod Verma MBBS , Diabetology

Yes, Povidone Iodine is used for open wounds since last few decades. It remains a favorite agent for use as an antiseptic and as a wound-healing agent because of its safety, tolerability, and efficacy. Povidone Iodine has a broad spectrum of activity, has reduced cell toxicity, low incidence of resistance has anti-inflammatory property, and is able to penetrate biofilms (cluster of microorganisms attached to the cell surface).