Tincture of iodine Vs Povidone-iodine
Tincture of Iodine is a weak iodine solution where as povidone iodine is strong iodine solution , both used as antiseptic solutions but povidone iodine most common in use.
Tincture of Iodine
Tincture of iodine is or iodine tincture is the same thing. Weak iodine solution is an antiseptic. It is usually 2 to 7% elemental iodine, along with potassium iodide (KI) or sodium iodide (NaI), dissolved in a mixture of ethanol and water. Tincture of iodine solution characterizes by the presence of alcohol. It uses generally preoperative skin preparation.
Important notes about Tincture of iodine
This medicine is an antiseptic for use on minor wounds.
It can be used on adults and children.
Do not use
On newborn infants
On large open wounds
Highly flammable
Keep away from naked flames.
How to use this medicine
Apply it to the skin.
Do not use for long periods.
Do not use on large open wounds.
Do not cover with a dressing after use.
Possible side effects
Allergic reactions may occur including:
- Itching
- Blistering
- Bruising of the skin
- Fever.• Pain in the joints
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- An increase in the number of white cells in the blood
- Frequent application to the skin may cause dryness and irritation
Povidone iodine
Povidine iodine is a mixture of polyvinyl pyrrolidone and iodine. Another name is iodopovidone. It is an antiseptic and uses for skin disinfection before and after surgery. It uses both to disinfect the skin of the patient and the hands of the healthcare providers. It also uses for minor wounds. It generally applied to the skin as a liquid form and also famous as commercial name betadine.
Availability of iodine in this solution is 9% to 12%. It works by releasing iodine which results in the death of a range of microorganisms.
Further Readings
- Bailey & Scott’s Diagnostic Microbiology. Editors: Bettey A. Forbes, Daniel F. Sahm & Alice S. Weissfeld, 12th ed 2007, Publisher Elsevier.
- Mackie and Mc Cartney Practical Medical Microbiology. Editors: J.G. Colle, A.G. Fraser, B.P. Marmion, A. Simmous, 4th ed, Publisher Churchill Living Stone, New York, Melborne, Sans Franscisco 1996.
- https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4871.pdf
- World Health Organization (2009). Stuart MC, Kouimtzi M, Hill SR (eds.). WHO Model Formulary 2008. World Health Organization. pp. 321–323. hdl:10665/44053. ISBN 9789241547659.
- British national formulary : BNF 69 (69 ed.). British Medical Association. 2015. p. 840. ISBN 9780857111562.