POVIDONE IODINE 10%, aqueous solution

Last updated: January 2026

Therapeutic action

• Antiseptic 

Indications

• Antisepsis of intact or broken skin and mucous membranes

Forms and strengths

• 10% povidone iodine (PVI) aqueous solution

Use

Antisepsis prior to injections or punctures

• Apply 10% solution to the injection/puncture site and allow to dry before inserting the needle. The skin should be cleaned beforehand if soiled.
• Some national infection prevention and control guidelines recommend to clean the skin beforehand with PVI scrub prior to procedures associated with higher risk of infections (e.g. epidural/spinal anaesthesia). 

Antisepsis prior to surgery (surgical site preparation)

• Application technique and number of applications vary depending on surgical site, type of procedure and infection risk. For information:
  • The surgical site should be cleaned beforehand with PVI scrub.
  • Apply a sufficient amount of 10% solution to cover the incision site and surrounding area and allow to dry before incision. If more than one application is required, allow to dry completely between each application. 

Antisepsis of wounds and burns

• Apply 10% solution to small or superficial wounds and burns.
• For extensive or deep wounds and burns, and wound irrigation:
  • Use a diluted solution: 1 part of 10% PVI + 3 parts of sterile water or sterile 0.9% NaCl; 
  • Rinse thoroughly with sterile water or sterile 0.9% NaCl.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• Do not use with other antiseptics (risk of incompatibility) or mercury compounds (risk of necrosis). Given the possible interactions between different antiseptics, PVI aqueous solution can only be used with other PVI-based products (e.g. PVI scrub solution).
• Do not use in preterm neonates or neonates < 1500 g, and use with caution in full-term neonates and patients with extensive wounds or thyroid dysfunction (increased risk of systemic iodine absorption and thyroid dysfunction).
• May cause: thyroid dysfunction in susceptible patients, skin dryness and irritation with frequent use; rarely, hypersensitivity reactions. 
• In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with water (risk of eye damage).
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: use with caution and only if clearly needed (passage through the placenta and breast milk, risk of fetal or infant thyroid dysfunction). Avoid repeated use and application on large areas.

Storage