About povidone iodine
Iodine antiseptic
Used for
- Vaginal cleansing for short-term treatment of vaginal infections, where approved.
Usual adult dose
Use vaginally as directed on the product label; formulations and directions vary by country.
Common side effects
- Vaginal burning, irritation, or dryness
- Allergic skin reactions
- Rarely, iodine absorption can affect thyroid function
Important warnings
- Not for swallowing or prolonged use.
- Avoid use with iodine allergy or thyroid disease unless medically directed.
- Vaginal douching may disrupt normal vaginal bacteria and is not routinely recommended.
- Stop use and seek care for severe irritation or persistent symptoms.
Pregnancy
Avoid unless specifically recommended by a clinician; iodine can be absorbed and affect the fetal thyroid.
Breastfeeding
Avoid unless specifically recommended by a clinician; absorbed iodine may enter breast milk and affect the infant’s thyroid.
Interactions
- Lithium may increase the risk of thyroid effects.
- May interfere with thyroid tests or radioactive iodine investigations.
- Use with other vaginal products may cause irritation or reduce effectiveness.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.