Verifying…
Home / Medicines A–Z / Povidone-iodine

Povidone-iodine

First aid to help prevent infection in minor cuts scrapes burns.

Sold without prescription in some countries Topical Safety alerts on record

How to use Povidone-iodine

What the official label says. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Your pack's leaflet comes first if it is different.

Who it is for

First aid to help prevent infection in minor cuts scrapes burns

How to take it and how often

clean the affected area spray a small amount of the product on the area 1 to 3 times daily may be covered with a sterile bandage if bandaged, let dry first

Talk to a doctor first if

deep or puncture wounds serious burns animal bites

Warnings

For external use only

Possible side effects

The condition persists or gets worse you need to use this product for more than 1 week

How to store it

Store at 25⁰C (77⁰F); excursions permitted between 15⁰-30⁰C (59⁰-86⁰F) Do Not Freeze Keep out of reach of children.

If you miss a dose

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.

From the official U.S. FDA label for this active ingredient. Your pack may have a different strength, so always read its leaflet. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure. Label dated 2025-01-02.

Brands around the world

Products with Povidone-iodine as the active ingredient. Names differ between countries.

Registered products

United States (FDA)

Antiseptic Patient Preoperative Skin Preparation And Surgical Hand ScrubPOVIDONE-IODINE 75 mg/mL · Solution · Degasa SA De CV
NDC 67326-352Label
Betadine Solution Swabsticks Solution SwabsticksPOVIDONE-IODINE 10 mg/mL · Solution · Atlantis Consumer Healthcare, Inc.
NDC 67618-153Label
Betadine Solution SolutionPOVIDONE-IODINE 10 mg/mL · Solution · Atlantis Consumer Healthcare, Inc.
NDC 67618-150Label
First Aid AntisepticPOVIDONE-IODINE 10 mg/mL · Solution · Amazon.com Services LLC
NDC 72288-450Label
Prep Solution Topical Antiseptic Microbicide Topical Antiseptic MicrobicidePOVIDONE-IODINE 100 mg/mL · Solution · Degasa SA De CV
NDC 67326-350Label

Nigeria (NAFDAC)

NAFDACDrez Powder B4-2773NAFDACDrez Ointment B4-2772NAFDACDrez Solution B4-2774NAFDACWosan Shampoo A11-100192NAFDACWosan Ointment 04-2033NAFDACWosan Mouth Wash A4-0938NAFDACWosan 5% Solution 04-3017NAFDACWosangyl Ointment A11-1286NAFDACWosan Solution 10% A4-0939NAFDACWosan 2.5% Solution A11-100808NAFDACFovidye 2 g Solution A4-101160NAFDACBetadine Surgical Scrub 04-4018

Other countries: check your pack's registration number and we point you to your regulator.

Safety alerts and recalls

Povidone Iodine 1.25% / Proparacaine HCl 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution, 10 mL per dropper bottle, For Office Use Only, Imprimis NJOF, LLC, 1705 Route 46 West, Unit 6B, Ledgewood, NJ 078U.S. FDA Class III
24 Aug 2026 · ImprimisRx NJ LLC · OngoingSubpotent Drug
BD PurPrep, (Povidone-iodine 8.3% w/w (0.83% available iodine) with isopropyl alcohol 72.5% w/w), 50 x 26 mL Applicator/case, STERILE SOLUTION, CAREFUSION 213, LLC, EL PASO, TX 79U.S. FDA Class II
11 Jun 2026 · CareFusion 213, LLC · OngoingLack of assurance of sterility: Unsterilized ChloraPrep & PurPrep Applicators, intended for further processing and sterilization were instead distributed to customers outside of the intended distribution channel
Povi-One, 10% Povidone-Iodine Oral Antiseptic, Packaged by Elevate Oral Care, LLC, 346 Pike Road, Suite 6, West Palm Beach, FL 33411, NDC 57511-0611-1.U.S. FDA Class II
4 Jun 2026 · Elevate Oral Care · Ongoingsub potency
BD PurPrep, Povidone-iodine 8.3% w/w (0.83% available iodine) with isopropyl alcohol 72.5% w/w Sterile Solution, 0.36 fl. oz. (10.5 mL) x 25 applicators per box. Carefusion 213, LLU.S. FDA Class II
22 Apr 2026 · CareFusion 213, LLC · OngoingLack of assurance of Sterility: potential product contamination

A recall usually affects certain batches only. Compare the lot number on your pack.

Check your pack of Povidone-iodine

Or take photos of the pack
3 free checks left today Official sources: U.S. FDA · EMA (EU) · NAFDAC · WHO alerts

Questions about Povidone-iodine

What is Povidone-iodine used for?

First aid to help prevent infection in minor cuts scrapes burns (From the official U.S. FDA label.)

How do I take Povidone-iodine?

Follow your prescription or the leaflet in your pack. The official label says: clean the affected area spray a small amount of the product on the area 1 to 3 times daily may be covered with a sterile bandage if bandaged, let dry first…

Do I need a prescription for Povidone-iodine?

In many countries Povidone-iodine is sold without a prescription in some strengths. Rules differ by country, so ask a pharmacist.

What brands contain Povidone-iodine?

Povidone-iodine is sold under names such as Ovadine, Dermawound, Betadine, Clinidine, Efodine, Summer's Eve Medicated. Brand names differ between countries.

How can I check that my Povidone-iodine is genuine?

Scan the registration number on your pack with PillVera (NAFDAC number in Nigeria, NDC in the United States, DIN in Canada), check the expiry date and buy only from licensed pharmacies.