Povidone-iodine
Appearance
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Clinical data | |
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Routes of administration | topical, when formulated |
ATC code | |
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CAS Number | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.110.412 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | (C6H9NO)n·xI |
Povidone-iodine (PVPI) is a water-soluble complex of iodine with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), with from 9.0% to 12.0% available iodine, calculated on a dry basis[1].
PVPI can be further formulated into topical antiseptic products as a solution (with surfactants and/or alcohol), aerosol or ointment at concentrations from 7.5% to 10%. These products are sold over-the-counter (OTC) and used in hospitals for cleansing and disinfecting the skin, preparing the skin preoperatively and treating infections susceptible to iodine.
It works through disruption of pathogen cell walls.[citation needed]