Name:  Povidone iodine

Synonyms:  Povidone-iodine; Betadine; Isodine; Ultradine; 1-Vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone polymers iodine complex; polyvinyl-pyrrolidone-iodine complex; PVP-iodine

Molecular Structure:  

Molecular Formula:  C₆H₉I₂NO

Molecular Weight:  364.95

CAS Number:  25655-41-8

 

Povidone-iodine is a commonly used antiseptic because of its broad spectrum of antimicrobial effect and its comparatively low allergic risk. Povidone-iodine is also used for open joint lavage.

PVP-I is a stable chemical complex of polyvinylpyrrolidone (povidone, PVP) and elemental iodine. Povidone iodine contains from 9.0% to 12.0% available iodine, calculated on a dry basis.

Povidone iodine was discovered at the Industrial Toxicology Laboratories in Philadelphia by H. A. Shelanski and M. V. Shelanski. Human clinical trials showed Povidone iodine to be superior to other iodine formulations. PVP-I is completely soluble in cold water, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, and glycerol. Its stability in solution is much greater than that of tincture of iodine or Lugol's solution.

Free iodine, slowly liberated from the povoiodine-iodine (PVPI) complex in solution, kills eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells through iodination of lipids and oxidation of cytoplasmic and membrane compounds. This agent exhibits a broad range of microbicidal activity against bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses. Slow release of iodine from the PVPI complex in solution minimizes iodine toxicity towards mammalian cells.

Povidone iodine has been broadly used for the prevention and treatment of skin infections, and the treatment of wounds. Iodine has been recognized as an effective broad-spectrum bactericide, and it is also effective against yeasts, molds, fungi, viruses, and proteases. Drawbacks to its use in the form of aqueous solutions include irritation at the site of application, toxicity and the staining of surrounding tissues. These deficiencies were overcome by the discovery and use of povidone-iodine, in which the iodine is carried in a complexed form and the concentration of free iodine is very low. Povidone iodine thus serves as an iodophor. In addition, it has been demonstrated that bacteria do not develop resistance to PVP-I, and the sensitization rate to the product is only 0.7% Consequently, PVP-I has found broad application in medicine as a surgical scrub; for pre- and post-operative skin cleansing; for the treatment and prevention of infections in wounds, ulcers, cuts and burns; for the treatment of infections in decubitus ulcers and stasis ulcers; in gynecology for vaginitis associated with candidal, trichomonal or mixed infections. For these purposes PVP-I has been formulated at concentrations of 7.5¨C10.0% in solution, spray, surgical scrub, ointment, and swab dosage forms. It is available without a prescription under the generic name povidone-iodine.