Povidone-Iodine
Povidone-iodine is a topical antiseptic agent used to disinfect skin and mucous membranes before medical procedures and to treat infected wounds, burns, and skin conditions. It contains iodine that is slowly released to kill a wide range of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Healthcare providers commonly use it in surgical settings, wound care, and for preventing infections in minor cuts and abrasions.
Povidone-iodine is a broad-spectrum topical antiseptic used for skin disinfection and treating infected wounds and burns.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- D08AG02
- RxNorm
- 8548
- Generic
- Povidone-Iodine
- Class
- atc-d08
- Brands
- Ovadine, Dermawound, Betadine, Clinidine, Efodine, Summer's Eve Medicated
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 0
- Onset (min)
- 2
- Duration (h)
- 6
- Routes
- topical, nasal, ophthalmic
- Forms
- solution, ointment, cream, gel, scrub, swab, pad, spray, gauze
- Regions
- United States, Canada, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, India, Brazil, worldwide
- Monitoring
- thyroid function with prolonged or large-area use, local skin irritation
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Used for preoperative skin disinfection, treatment of contaminated wounds, burn wounds, pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and fungal infections; also used for vaginal candidiasis, herpetic lesions, and as a mouthwash for oral infections.
The povidone carrier releases free iodine gradually, which penetrates microorganism cell walls and oxidizes essential proteins, nucleic acids, and fatty acids, destroying bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa through a broad antimicrobial action.
For topical use only; avoid application to large areas of broken skin or extended use on extensive wounds due to risk of systemic iodine absorption; contraindicated in patients with thyroid disorders, renal impairment, and known iodine hypersensitivity; may cause skin irritation or discoloration; avoid use with other antiseptics or hydrogen peroxide which may neutralize its effect.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy