Betadine - Benefits, dosage and side effects

2023 Author: Autumn Gilbert | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 07:39

Betadine is an antiseptic product that is useful for preventing growth and killing germs that cause infection. This antiseptic drug is available in the form of liquid, ointment, spray, and stick

Betadine contains povidone iodine as the main active ingredient. This substance works by killing bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi that cause infection. Povidine iodine tends not to cause irritation and stinging, so it is relatively easier to use on children.

Betadine can be used as a first aid drug to prevent infection in wounds and to clean certain body parts before surgery.

Besides in the form of topical antiseptic drugs, Betadine is also available in the form of mouthwash, throat spray, vaginal cleaning fluid, and also antiseptic soap. Betadine is different from die da yao jing or herbal medicine which is commonly called Chinese Betadine.

Betadine Products

Here are some Betadine products available in the market:

• Betadine Antiseptic Solution

  Betadine Antiseptic Solution is an antiseptic liquid containing 10% povidone iodine.

• Betadine Antiseptic Ointment

  Betadine Antiseptic Ointment is an antiseptic in the form of an ointment containing 10% povidone iodine.

• Betadine Antiseptic Solution Stick

  Betadine Antiseptic Solution Stick is an antiseptic in the form of a stick containing 10% povidone iodine.

• Betadine Dry Powder Spray

  Betadine Dry Powder Spray is an antiseptic in the form of a spray containing 2.5% povidone iodine.

• Betadine Mouthwash & Gargle

  Betadine Mouthwash & Gargle is a mouthwash that functions as an oral antiseptic with 1% povidone iodine content

• Betadine Throat Spray

  Betadine Throat Spray is an antiseptic for the mouth and throat in a spray package containing 0.45% povidone iodine

• Betadine Feminine Hygiene PVPI 10%

  Betadine Feminine Hygiene PVPI 10% is a feminine antiseptic containing 10% povidone iodine to treat symptoms of mild irritation, itching, or vaginal discharge caused by Trichomonas Vaginalis, Candida Albicans, and Gardnerella Vaginalis.

• Betadine Antiseptic Skin Cleanser

  Betadine Antiseptic Skin Cleanser is an antiseptic soap to clean the skin and kill germs that cause disease with povidone iodine content of 7.5%.

What is Betadine

Active ingredients	Povidone Iodine
Class	OTC drugs
Categories	Antiseptic
Benefits	Prevent and treat infections
Used by	Adults and children
Betadine for pregnant and lactating women	Category D: There is evidence that the drug poses a risk to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example to treat a life-threatening situation. Betadine can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medication without telling your doctor.
Medicine form	Liquid, spray, ointment, stick, mouthwash, throat spray, vaginal cleanser, antiseptic soap.

Warning Before Using Betadine

Before using Betadine, you need to pay attention to the following points:

• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to povidone iodine or to medications containing povidone iodine.
• Do not use Betadine on large areas of skin, deep cuts, or severe burns.
• If you have deep or large cuts, puncture wounds, animal bites, or burns, do not use Betadine until you consult a doctor.
• Do not use Betadine in babies born prematurely or babies with birth weight less than 1.5 kg.
• Tell your doctor if you have impaired thyroid function or kidney problems.
• Be careful using povidone iodine in children.
• If you are using Betadine to treat a complaint or wound, do not use it for more than 1 week. Call your doctor if your condition doesn't improve within 3 days.
• See a doctor immediately if you experience irritation or an allergic reaction to drugs after using Betadine.

Dosage and Rules for Use of Betadine

The following are common doses of Betadine based on the variant:

• Betadine Antiseptic Solution

  Apply to skin as needed.

• Betadine Antiseptic Ointment

  Apply 1-2 times a day on the surface of the injured skin.

• Betadine Antiseptic Solution Stick

  Break the blue cotton swab and apply a white cotton swab containing Povidone-Iodine to the wound point.

• Betadine Dry Powder Spray

  Spray onto the injured skin 1-3 times a day.

• Betadine Mouthwash & Gargle

  Gargle 15 ml of Betadine Mouthwash & Gargle 3–5 times a day.

• Betadine Throat Spray

  Spray into the throat 3-4 times a day.

• Betadine Feminine Hygiene PVPI 10%

  Wash 8 ml of liquid that has been diluted with 1 liter of water into the female area and let stand for 1 minute.

• Betadine Antiseptic Skin Cleanser

  Pour enough of this soap, rub it on the skin that has been moistened with water until it foams. Let stand for 30 seconds, then rinse with clean water.

How to Use Betadine Correctly

Follow the doctor's advice and read the information on the packaging before using Betadine products.

Make sure the skin surface is clean before using Betadine for wounds. Use Betadine sparingly on the wound. Avoid applying Betadine in the eye area and other areas that are not injured. Wait for Betadine to dry before applying the bandage. Do not use tight bandages.

Betadine Antiseptic Solution Stick is for single use only. Discard used sticks.

Shake Betadine Dry Powder Spray before use and spray about 15 cm from the wound. Betadine Dry Powder Spray is flammable, do not use near large or open flames. Do not smoke until the medicine is completely dry on your skin.

To use Betadine Mouthwash & Gargle gargle the liquid for 30 seconds, then throw it away. Do not swallow liquid.

To use Betadine Throat Spray, spray directly into the mouth or throat. Use every 3-4 hours as needed.

Before use, Betadine Feminine Hygiene PVPI 10% must be dissolved with water first. Wash the solution on the feminine area, let stand for 1 minute, and rinse with clean water.

Store Betadine in a cool place away from direct sunlight, and keep it out of reach of children.

Interaction of Betadine with Other Drugs

Since Betadine contains povidone iodine, the risk of developing thyroid disorders may increase if this drug is used in combination with other drugs containing lithium.

Side Effects and Dangers of Betadine

Although rare, side effects that may occur after using Betadine are:

• Itching
• Rash
• Swelling on the skin
• Pain in the vagina
• Irritation of the skin, mouth, or body parts affected by Betadine.

Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse. See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to the drug, such as a large rash, itchy, red, swollen and peeling skin, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face and lips.