Indications & Uses
Povikil is indicated for:
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Cream or ointment: To treat an infection, apply once or twice daily or at each dressing change for no more than 14 days. To prevent infection, apply once or twice a week for as long as needed. The affected skin should be cleaned and dried first and may be covered with a dressing or bandage. Solution: Apply at full strength as often as needed, as a paint, spray, or wet soak. It may be bandaged where necessary. Gargle and mouthwash: Adults and children over 6 years of age may use it undiluted or diluted with an equal volume of warm water. Gargle or rinse with up to 10 mL for up to 30 seconds without swallowing. Repeat up to four times daily for up to 14 consecutive days, or as advised by the registered dental surgeon or physician. Surgical scrub: For preoperative and postoperative washing by operating personnel, wet the hands and forearms with water. Pour about 5 mL of Povidone Iodine surgical scrub onto the palm and spread it over both hands and forearms. Without adding more water, rub the scrub thoroughly over all areas for about five minutes, using a brush if desired, and clean thoroughly under the fingernails. Add a little water and work up a generous lather, then rinse thoroughly under running water. Complete the wash by scrubbing with another 5 mL of Povidone Iodine surgical scrub in the same way. For preoperative use on patients, wet the skin with water after the area has been shaved. Apply Povidone Iodine surgical scrub (1 mL is enough to cover an area of 20 to 30 square inches), work up a lather, and scrub thoroughly for about five minutes. Rinse off using sterile gauze soaked in water. For use in the physician's office, use it for washing whenever a germicidal soap is required. Powder: Apply a light dusting of powder to the affected area. Once dry, it forms a protective antiseptic layer over the treated area. Alternatively, use as advised by the registered physician. There are no special dosage recommendations for children or elderly patients. Ophthalmic solution: Instil 1 drop into the conjunctival sac 4 times daily, or as required depending on the severity of the condition.
Side Effects
Povidone Iodine can cause hypersensitivity reactions and may irritate the skin and mucous membranes. When it is applied to severe burns or to large areas where the skin has been stripped away, enough may be absorbed to cause systemic adverse effects, including metabolic acidosis, hypernatraemia (raised blood sodium) and impaired kidney function. It may also interfere with thyroid function tests.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Cream or ointment: For deep or puncture wounds or serious burns, consult a registered physician. If redness, irritation, swelling or pain persists or worsens, or if infection develops, stop using the product and consult a registered physician. Solution: During preoperative skin preparation, avoid letting the solution pool beneath the patient. Prolonged contact with the wet solution may cause irritation or, rarely, severe skin reactions. For deep or puncture wounds or serious burns, consult a registered physician. If redness, irritation, swelling or pain persists or worsens, or if infection develops, stop using the product and consult a registered physician. Gargle and mouthwash: Avoid regular use, as prolonged use may lead to absorption of a significant amount of iodine. Do not use for more than 14 days. If sores or ulcers in the mouth have not healed within 14 days, seek dental or medical advice. This product is not for use in children under 6 years of age. Regular use should be avoided in patients receiving lithium therapy. Surgical scrub: Special caution is needed when the product is applied regularly to broken skin in patients with existing kidney impairment. Regular use should be avoided in patients receiving lithium therapy. The product can permanently discolour white gold jewellery, so this type of jewellery should be removed before use. Powder: Use with care in people with known iodine sensitivity, although such people do not usually react to povidone iodine. Excess powder can be washed off easily with warm water. The powder should be applied directly from the container. It must not be taken internally. Ophthalmic solution: Patients who experience blurred vision after applying the eye drops should not drive or operate machinery until their vision has cleared. Contact lenses should not be worn while the drops are being instilled. Wait at least 30 minutes after instillation before reinserting contact lenses.
Contraindications
Povidone Iodine can cause hypersensitivity reactions. It should not be used regularly in patients with thyroid disorders (particularly nodular colloid goitre, endemic goitre, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis) or in those receiving lithium therapy. In severely burnt patients, serum iodide levels should be checked because of possible hepatic and renal impairment. Povidone Iodine Powder should not be used in serious cavities or in children under 2 years of age.