Source: Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (GB) Revision Year: 2014 Publisher: Novartis Consumer Health UK Ltd, Park View, Riverside Way, Watchmoor Park, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 3YL Trading style: Novartis Consumer Health
Pharmacotherapeutic group: antiseptic and disinfectant
ATC code: D08AG02
Povidone-iodine is an antiseptic which liberates iodine in contact with the skin.
Povidone iodine is a broad spectrum anti-microbial agent with activity against a wide variety of bacteria, including acid fast bacilli and bacterial spores. It is also active against fungi, a wide range of viruses and protozoa.
Povidone-iodine administered clinically via any route can result in systemic absorption of iodine. The amount of absorbed iodine will vary according to the concentration of the povidone-iodine preparation used, the number of applications and the route of administration. Whilst absorption of iodine may occur following topical administration of all povidone-iodine preparations, the effects are dose related. In view of the fact that a 10 second burst will deliver only 7mg of available iodine, the levels of iodine likely to be absorbed following administration of Savlon Dry will be exceedingly small and the effects on the internal organs minimal.
Any increase in the blood iodine level is generally transient. In patients with a healthy thyroid, the increased iodine level does not lead to any clinically relevant changes in thyroid hormone status. When iodine metabolism is normal, increased amounts of iodine are excreted via the kidneys.
There are no findings in the preclinical testing which are of relevance to the prescriber.
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