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povidone iodine

Antiseptic

Also known as Povidone-iodine

Antiseptic
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
not curated
INTERACTIONS
3 major
incl. contraindicated
PREGNANCY
not curated
Top interactionssee all 12
  • Mercury Containing CompoundsContraindicatedDatabase
  • Mercury Containing Compounds (e.g., Mercurials)SevereDatabase
  • Radioactive Iodine (i 131)SevereDatabase

Mechanism

Povidone-iodine is an iodine product used as a topical antiseptic. It is applied to support postoperative infection control, specifically for peri-ocular and conjunctival antisepsis before ocular surgery.

Indications

presurgical preparation of periocular skin and irrigation of ocular surfacesboilsfurunculosisburnsotitis externaulcerstineamonilial vaginitistrichomonal vaginitisnonspecific vaginitissurgical scrubbingdisinfection of endoscopesdisinfection of instrumentsCutaneous peri-ocular and conjunctival antisepsis before ocular surgery

Dosing

Adult
Apply, leave for 2 minutes, then irrigate thoroughly with sodium chloride 0.9%

Contraindications

  • Concomitant use of ocular antimicrobial drugs
  • Concomitant use of ocular formulations containing mercury-based preservatives
  • Preterm neonates

Side effects

Common
local irritation
Serious
  • Eye erythema
  • Punctate keratitis
  • Cytotoxicity
  • Eye discolouration

Pregnancy & lactation

Lactation

Avoid regular or excessive use.

Drug interactions

Mercury Containing Compounds
Contraindicated
Database

Skin irritation, burns, or corrosive reactions.

CONTRAINDICATED for concurrent topical use. Thoroughly clean and dry the skin if switching between these agents.

Mercury Containing Compounds (e.g., Mercurials)
Severe
Database

Skin irritation, burns, and potential systemic toxicity due to the formation of highly corrosive mercuric iodide.

CONTRAINDICATED. Avoid concurrent use of povidone iodine with mercury-containing antiseptics or other mercurial compounds.

Radioactive Iodine (i 131)
Severe
Database

Reduced efficacy of radioactive iodine therapy for thyroid cancer or hyperthyroidism, as the thyroid gland will preferentially take up non-radioactive iodine from povidone iodine.

Discontinue povidone iodine for several weeks prior to and during radioactive iodine therapy. Consult with an endocrinologist or nuclear medicine specialist for specific timing.

Amiodarone
Moderate
Database

Increased risk of amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) due to the additional iodine burden.

Avoid prolonged or extensive use of povidone iodine in patients on amiodarone. Monitor thyroid function closely if concurrent use is necessary.

Iodinated Contrast Media
Moderate
Database

Increased risk of thyroid dysfunction (especially hyperthyroidism in susceptible individuals). Interference with diagnostic tests (e.g., radioactive iodine uptake for thyroid cancer).

Consider alternative antiseptics if radioactive iodine uptake is planned. Inform radiologists about recent povidone iodine use. Monitor thyroid function if concerns arise.

Levothyroxine
Moderate
Database

Potential for altered thyroid status (hypo- or hyperthyroidism), requiring levothyroxine dose adjustment. Interference with monitoring of thyroid function.

Monitor thyroid function tests closely. Avoid prolonged or extensive use of povidone iodine. Adjust levothyroxine dose as needed.

Lithium
Moderate
Database

Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, potentially exacerbating lithium-induced thyroid effects or altering lithium levels due to thyroid status changes.

Avoid prolonged or extensive use of povidone iodine in patients on lithium. Monitor thyroid function and lithium levels closely if concurrent use is unavoidable.

Methimazole
Moderate
Database

Reduced efficacy of antithyroid drugs, potentially leading to uncontrolled hyperthyroidism.

Avoid prolonged or extensive use of povidone iodine. Monitor thyroid function tests closely. Dose adjustment of antithyroid drugs may be necessary.

Thyroid Hormones (e.g., Levothyroxine)
Moderate
Database

May alter the required dose of thyroid hormones, potentially leading to symptoms of hypo- or hyperthyroidism if thyroid function is significantly affected by absorbed iodine.

Monitor thyroid function closely if extensive or prolonged use of povidone iodine is necessary in patients on thyroid hormone replacement. Adjust levothyroxine dose as needed.

Chlorhexidine Gluconate
Mild
Database

While not a strong interaction, some sources suggest a theoretical reduction in efficacy if mixed directly or applied immediately after one another without rinsing. No significant systemic interaction.

Generally, it's best to avoid direct mixing. If sequential application is necessary, ensure the area is dry between applications or rinse with water if practical. Often used as alternative antiseptics rather than concurrently.

Chlorhexidine
Mild
Database

Reduced antiseptic efficacy of both agents if applied simultaneously or in close succession without rinsing.

Avoid simultaneous application. If both are needed, ensure the area is thoroughly rinsed between applications.

Hydrogen Peroxide
Mild
Database

Reduced antiseptic efficacy of both agents due to chemical reaction and breakdown.

Avoid simultaneous application. If both are needed, ensure the area is thoroughly rinsed between applications.

Related guidelines

Other Antiseptic drugs

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Sources: KD Tripathi 7e, Goodman & Gilman 14e, BNF·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team