Povidone Iodine

Registered South African indications:

• Vaginitis

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of its excipients

Cautions

• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Renal impairment
• Hepatic impairment
• Large doses
• Prolonged duration
• Burns
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Children

Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: dou, gel

Vaginitis
-Candida albicans
-Trichomonas vaginalis
-Mixed infections
-Non-specific infections

• Topical (gel): 1 full applicator, dly at night; Followed by morning douching
• Topical (dou): Add 10ml to applicator bottle, fill with lukewarm water to indicated filling line, dly; Treatment duration: 7-14 days

See additional prescribing points for administration directions

If further therapy is required, the prescribed regimen should be continued through the next two menstrual cycles and the patient reviewed every 14 days

Cleansing and deodorising

• Topical (dou): Add 5ml to applicator bottle, fill with lukewarm water to indicated filling line, 1-2/weekly

See additional prescribing points for administration directions

No information available

Pregnancy

• Caution
• Povidone-iodine for vaginal use is not recommended for use during pregnancy, due to systemic absorption of the povidone-iodine that occurs when its applied on the vaginal mucosa. Increased systemic concentrations of povidone-iodine have been observed following vaginal use of the agent including presence in amniotic fluid. Risk to the foetus cannot be excluded, with hypothyroidism reported in a newborn after topical use of povidone-iodine before childbirth

Breastfeeding

• Caution
• Iodine has been found to be excreted in breastmilk, after application of topical povidone-iodine. Risk-benefit assessment is recommended before use of povidone-iodine is considered in breastfeeding women

Renal Impairment

• Caution; no dose adjustment recommended

Hepatic Impairment

• Caution; no information available

Elderly

• No dose adjustment recommended

Porphyria Information

• Not yet classified (NC)

Drugs in Sport

• Permitted - No warnings

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

• Oedema
• Irritation
• Pruritus
• Rash

Immune, Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders

• Hypersensitivity

• BCG 
• Sodium picosulfate
• Taurolidine

None routine

Administration directions - therapeutic douche 

• Carefully insert the applicator high into the vagina without causing discomfort 
• Expel as much cleansing liquid as possible by applying gentle pressure on the sides of the squeeze bottle, allowing the solution to run freely from the vagina 
• Remove the applicator from the vagina allowing air to enter the squeeze bottle, so that it regains its original shape
• Reinsert the applicator into the vagina squeezing once again to cleanse the vagina thoroughly
• Repeat until all the douche solution has been used
• Finally rinse away the excess solution from around the vagina
• Pat dry the vaginal area with a clean cloth or paper towel
• Rinse clean the empty bottle and applicator in warm water and store for further use

Povidone-iodine is a multivalent broad spectrum local antiseptic having bactericidal and fungicidal properties. The effect on vegetative cells of various bacteria and fungi is due to the liberation of free iodine from the complex. Many viruses, protozoa, yeasts, cysts and spores are also susceptible.

Vaginal gel (per 5g) 0.5g

• Betadine vaginal gel (Mundipharm) originator

Douche (per 100ml) 10g

• Betadine douche (Mundipharm) originator
• Betadine douche refill (Mundipharm) originator

Also available in the following forms: Cream, ointment, surgical scrub, solution, shampoo and oral antiseptic