Betadine antiseptic solution: Use it properly and effectively

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Article by Pharmacist Hoang Tra Linh - Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital
Currently on the market there are 3 types of widely used Betadine® antiseptic solutions. Each product is designed with different packaging and colors, so it is necessary to know how to distinguish it to avoid confusion when using.

1. About Betadine® antiseptic solution

Betadine ® is a brand specializing in antiseptic products that are commonly used today. The main ingredient of Betadine® products is povidone-iodine - a complex of iodine with polyvinylpyrrolidone. When using free iodine, it will be released gradually, bringing the effect of killing bacteria, viruses, fungi, spores, yeasts and protozoa. Compared with preparations containing free iodine, the bactericidal effect of povidone-iodine is still guaranteed but less toxic, so it is preferred.
Besides, with ingredients that do not contain alcohol or hydrogen peroxide (Hydro peroxide, H2O2), Betadine® when used also has the advantage of not causing stinging sensations on the skin and mucous membranes.
>>> Note when using wound antiseptic solution

Some cautions when using povidone-iodine-containing products are as follows:
Although there are few side effects, Betadine Blue / Betadine Yellow can still cause local irritation or systemic allergic reactions. Need to stop using when there are symptoms such as itching, erythema, small blisters in the skin and mucous membranes where the drug is used or urticaria, angioedema, difficulty breathing... Patients with pathologies or gland abnormalities Thyroid: It is necessary to consult a doctor and pharmacist before using Betadine yellow or green, especially when it is necessary to use a large-scale and prolonged antiseptic due to the risk of the body absorbing a large amount of Iodine. Infants and young children: These are subjects with thin skin and mucous membranes, these antiseptics can penetrate through the natural skin more easily and are also easier to swallow when using Betadine mouthwash products. Therefore, it should be used with caution to avoid the high risk of developing hyperthyroidism with high concentrations and long-term use. In addition, should not arbitrarily use Betadine regularly continuously, for a long time and for extensive, deep and complex lesions. With the above cases, it is necessary to visit specialized medical facilities for examination. >>> Can betadine be used to disinfect the umbilical cord of an infant?

2. Distinguishing Betadine® antiseptic solutions

Currently on the market there are 3 types of Betadine® antiseptic solutions that are widely used, including: Betadine Vaginal Douche 10% vaginal antiseptic solution (Gynecological Betadine), Betadine solution for gargling and rinsing. Oral Betadine Gargle and Mouthwash 1% moss green and Betadine Antiseptic Solution 10% yellow. Each product is designed with different packaging and colors to avoid confusion when using.
About the main ingredients, Betadine ® solutions all contain povidone-iodine which is a substance with broad-spectrum bactericidal effect. However, the difference in composition of these preparations is in 2 points:
The concentration of povidone-iodine in each solution is different: With Betadine solution gargling, the concentration of povidone-iodine is 1%, in When 2 antiseptic solutions and gynecological Betadine solution, the concentration of the main ingredient in the preparation is 10%. In addition to the main ingredient povidone-iodine, other ingredients and excipients in each solution are different to suit the intended use of each product.
Because of the difference between the preparations with the same name Betadine and the main ingredient Povidon-Iod, before using it, it is necessary to check whether the type of Betadine is suitable for the purpose of use or not. Interchangeability of Betadines is not recommended and poses a risk to safety and efficacy for the user.

2.1 Betadine Vaginal Douche 10% Vaginal Disinfectant Solution

Betadine Vaginal Douche 10% solution is used for external cleaning of the vulva or for douching.
For the purpose of external hygiene, Gynecological Betadine can be diluted in the ratio of 1 bottle cap (15ml) with 500ml clean water to soak the private area. For the purpose of douching, it is necessary to use it with a squeeze bottle, so it is best to have a doctor's prescription and should be done by a medical staff.

2.2 Betadine Gargle and Mouthwash 1% Gargle and Mouthwash

Betadine Gargle and Mouthwash 1% solution can be used directly undiluted or diluted to 2 parts water. 1 bottle cap is equivalent to 15ml. Use 1 time about 20-30ml of solution, corresponding to 1-2 bottle caps.

For prophylactic use, gargle for 30 seconds, 4 times a day. Intended to be used to treat infections or lesions, gargle for 2 minutes, 4 times a day, especially after eating. The typical duration of use (unless otherwise directed by your doctor) is about 14 days.

2.3 Betadine Antiseptic Solution 10%

Betadine Antiseptic Solution 10% (Betadine Yellow) can be used directly undiluted or diluted for rinsing or rinsing.
For the purpose of disinfecting skin wounds, apply the damaged skin, should apply a wide area around the lesion from 3-5cm. After drying, it will form a breathable film, which is easy to wash off with water. Can be applied several times a day. For the purpose of disinfecting hands, if cleaning hands use 3ml of medicine for 1 minute, if sterilized for surgery, use 2 x 5ml of medicine for 5 minutes. For the purpose of skin sterilization: For skin areas with few sebaceous glands, apply the solution for at least 1 minute; For areas with many sebaceous glands, the drug should be applied for at least 10 minutes; To sterilize the skin before surgery, avoid creating places where the solution is deposited under the patient's body (because it can irritate the skin). Currently, Betadine antiseptic solution products are sold at Vinmec drugstores nationwide. These are OTC drugs that do not require a prescription to be purchased. To ensure proper and effective use, you can go to Vinmec pharmacy for advice and instructions for use by a pharmacist.