Povidone Iodine
Povidone iodine releases iodine for topical antimicrobial action. Solution, scrub and ointment products have different tissue uses.
Group
Iodophor antiseptic
Mechanism of Action
Iodine oxidizes and iodininates microbial cellular components.
Dose Rates
Dogs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topical antisepsis | Reference only | TOPICAL | Use a formulation and dilution appropriate to intact skin or the specific wound. Do not apply detergent scrub within an open wound; do not infer a systemic mg/kg dose. | |
| Superficial skin antisepsis or dermatitis | Reference only | TOPICAL | Select an appropriate skin formulation and avoid irritating detergent preparations on open wounds. Povidone iodine can be drying and is not usually the first choice for chronic small-animal dermatitis. | |
| Indolent corneal-ulcer chemical debridement | Reference only | TOPICAL | Specialist debridement protocols use 1–5% aqueous povidone iodine. Concentrations above 1% must be rinsed away within no more than 5 minutes; this is a controlled procedure, not home skin-antiseptic application to the eye. |
Cats
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topical antisepsis | Reference only | TOPICAL | Use a formulation and dilution appropriate to intact skin or the specific wound. Do not apply detergent scrub within an open wound; do not infer a systemic mg/kg dose. | |
| Superficial skin antisepsis or dermatitis | Reference only | TOPICAL | Select an appropriate skin formulation and avoid irritating detergent preparations on open wounds. Povidone iodine can be drying and is not usually the first choice for chronic small-animal dermatitis. | |
| Historical topical feline herpes keratitis adjunct | Reference only | TOPICAL | Every 6–12 h | Aqueous povidone iodine 0.5–1%: one drop two to four times daily has been described as an adjunct. Use a specifically suitable sterile ophthalmic preparation; higher concentrations injure epithelium. |
Horses
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topical antisepsis | Reference only | TOPICAL | Use a formulation and dilution appropriate to intact skin or the specific wound. Do not apply detergent scrub within an open wound; do not infer a systemic mg/kg dose. | |
| Historical fungal keratitis adjunct | Reference only | TOPICAL | Every 24 h | A 5% aqueous preparation has been described once daily, then thoroughly lavaged away within 5 minutes. Requires specialist selection of a sterile, tissue-suitable formulation. |
Cattle
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topical antisepsis | Reference only | TOPICAL | Use a formulation and dilution appropriate to intact skin or the specific wound. Do not apply detergent scrub within an open wound; do not infer a systemic mg/kg dose. |
Indications
- Skin antisepsis
- Selected dilute wound antisepsis
Contraindications
- Iodophor hypersensitivity
- Undiluted detergent scrub in an open wound
Interactions
- Do not mix with other antiseptics without compatibility information.
Adverse effects
- Local irritation
- Potential thyroid effects with extensive prolonged iodine exposure
Toxicity
Large-area or prolonged exposure can increase iodine absorption; discontinue and assess systemic effects if suspected.
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germidine povidone iodine solution USP 10% Povidone iodine 10% solution listed by Sri Lanka SPC; manufacturer was not confirmed. Povidone iodine mass is distinct from available iodine. | Other | 100 mg / mL | TOPICAL |
| Povidone iodine veterinary solution 5% Heilsaa Care 5% w/v povidone iodine, equivalent to available iodine 0.5% w/v. External solution; not an injectable product. | Other | 50 mg / mL | TOPICAL |
Monitoring and Administration
Remove gross contamination before application; organic debris can reduce activity. Saline is the least tissue-toxic routine lavage option.
A 10% povidone iodine preparation generally contains about 1% available iodine; the two quantities are not interchangeable. Do not substitute a scrub for an aqueous solution.
Select wound dilution by the exact formulation and tissue procedure; no universal body-weight dose applies.
Skin scrub and general antiseptic solutions are not automatically ocular preparations. Ocular concentrations above 1% require removal within 5 minutes in the described procedures.
Large-area or prolonged absorption may affect renal and thyroid function. Scrotal skin and external ears can be particularly irritated; avoid product drying and residue accumulation.