Povidone iodine 10%, aqueous solution

Therapeutic action

Antiseptic.

Indications

• Antisepsis prior to injections or punctures.
• Antisepsis prior to surgery (surgical site preparation).
• Antisepsis of wounds and burns.

Forms and strengths

10% povidone iodine (PVI) aqueous solution.

Use

• Apply 10% solution to the injection or puncture site and allow to dry before inserting the needle. The skin should be cleaned beforehand if soiled.
• Some national infection prevention and control guidelines recommend cleaning the skin beforehand with PVI scrub prior to higher-risk procedures such as epidural or spinal anaesthesia.
• For surgical site preparation: clean the site beforehand with PVI scrub, then apply enough 10% solution to cover the incision site and surrounding area and allow to dry before incision. If more than one application is required, allow to dry completely between applications.
• Apply 10% solution to small or superficial wounds and burns.
• For extensive or deep wounds and burns, and for wound irrigation: use a diluted solution of 1 part 10% PVI plus 3 parts sterile water or sterile 0.9% sodium chloride, then rinse thoroughly with sterile water or sterile 0.9% sodium chloride.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• Do not use with other antiseptics or mercury compounds.
• Given possible interactions between different antiseptics, PVI aqueous solution can only be used with other PVI-based products such as PVI scrub solution.
• Do not use in preterm neonates or neonates under 1500 g, and use with caution in full-term neonates and patients with extensive wounds or thyroid dysfunction because of the increased risk of systemic iodine absorption and thyroid dysfunction.
• May cause thyroid dysfunction in susceptible patients, skin dryness and irritation with frequent use, and rarely hypersensitivity reactions.
• In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with water.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: use with caution and only if clearly needed. Avoid repeated use and application on large areas.