Medical expert of the article
New publications
Preparations
Betadine
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

Indications Betadine
The solution of the medicinal product is used to eliminate the following disorders:
- to disinfect the skin surface and mucous membranes before performing a surgical procedure;
- before performing biopsy procedures, injections, transfusions/infusions, as well as punctures, etc. for skin disinfection;
- treatment with a solution for therapy or prevention in the case of using drains, as well as catheters or probes in persons who have undergone surgery;
- treatment carried out in the area of aseptic or infected wound surfaces;
- elimination of infections of bacterial, fungal or viral origin, affecting the skin, as well as the oral and nasopharyngeal mucous membranes;
- to disinfect the oral cavity during dental procedures;
- to fully or partially treat the patient before the surgical procedure (the so-called “disinfection bath” is performed);
- disinfection of the birth canal, and in addition, performing gynecological procedures;
- disinfectant treatment of the umbilical cord, as well as prevention of conjunctivitis (in newborns);
- disinfection of skin with wounds, cuts, abrasions and diaper rash, as well as stomatitis, acne and pustules.
Betadine ointment is used for the following disorders:
- to heal abrasions, burns, bedsores, infections, wounds, trophic ulcers and superinfectious forms of dermatitis;
- therapy for viruses - for example, herpes or HPV.
Suppositories should be used in the following situations:
- inflammations that occur in the vagina, which can be acute or chronic;
- mixed or non-specific infections;
- fungal infections (in addition to after antibiotic therapy);
- genital herpes;
- infections caused by the activity of chlamydia, gardnerella or trichomonas;
- prevention before performing various gynecological procedures.
Using the suppository immediately after unprotected sexual intercourse reduces the risk of contracting an STD. But this effect only develops when using the drug for a maximum of 2 hours after sexual intercourse.
[ 4 ]
Pharmacodynamics
After using the drug, iodine is released from the pharmacological complex with the substance polyvinylpyrrolidone. Iodine contacts the mucous membranes and the skin surface, forming bacterial cells of iodamines and coagulating them. As a result, pathogenic microbes are destroyed.
Betadine affects gram-positive and -negative microbes. Only Mycobacterium tuberculosis has resistance. The drug is active against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa.
The medicine in all its forms is not addictive and does not have toxic properties. The use of suppositories helps to stabilize the vaginal microflora and eliminate itching and burning. Also, the suppositories do not have an irritating effect.
Pharmacokinetics
After local treatment, iodine is almost not absorbed into the blood. The active element penetrates shallowly into the tissues.
Using vaginal suppositories kills bacteria and fungi within 1 minute.
Dosing and administration
Using a healing ointment.
It is necessary to treat the affected areas of the skin with a thin layer of ointment; the procedures should be carried out several times a day.
Use of the medicine in the form of a solution.
It is allowed to use both undiluted solution and dissolved in ordinary water. In this case, it is necessary to use proportions of 1:10 or 1:100.
To disinfect healthy skin areas, use the undiluted form of the solution for 1-2 minutes. When treating wound surfaces, burns, and inflammations of bacterial or fungal origin, use a solution diluted with water (proportions 1 to 10).
For hygienic procedures, an aqueous solution of the medicine is used in proportions of 1:100.
To remove pustules or acne, soak a cotton swab in a 5% or 10% solution and then wipe the affected areas.
To rinse the mouth, you need to use a solution diluted in a 1:10 ratio.
During aseptic treatment of wound surfaces or various complications, it is necessary to use a 5% or 10% solution. It is also allowed to soak dressings with a concentrated medicinal solution.
When washing serous or joint cavities, use a solution with a ratio of 1:10 or 1:100.
For gynecological procedures, an undiluted solution of the drug is used.
Use of suppositories.
If the disease is acute, it is necessary to insert 1 suppository deep into the vagina twice a day. The therapy must be carried out for 1 week.
If the disease is subacute or chronic, it is necessary to insert 1 suppository before bedtime and carry out such therapy for 2 weeks. Taking into account the diagnosis and the nature of the infectious lesion, the treatment course can be extended by the doctor. Before inserting the suppository, it should be slightly moistened in water. It is recommended to use sanitary pads during therapy. The treatment course also does not stop during menstruation.
The use of suppositories for thrush is carried out according to the above scheme. Taking into account the type of pathology (acute or chronic), the drug is used 1 or 2 times a day.
In case of erosions, the medicine is used only as prescribed by the attending physician.
Use Betadine during pregnancy
It is not recommended to prescribe Betadine to pregnant women after the 3rd month. But in general, regarding the use of drugs during pregnancy, it is necessary to individually consult with your doctor. According to reviews, many pregnant patients successfully use the drug. During therapy, it is necessary to monitor the patient's thyroid condition.
The medicine should not be used during breastfeeding.
Contraindications
Among the contraindications:
- thyrotoxicosis;
- thyroid adenoma;
- Duhring's disease;
- combined use with radioactive iodine;
- infants under 1 year of age;
- hypersensitivity to iodine, as well as other elements of the drug.
Caution is required when prescribing to people with chronic skin inflammations.
Side effects Betadine
Using the medicine may cause the following side effects:
- local signs of iodine allergy, which are expressed in the form of rashes, redness and itching;
- dysbacteriosis developing in the vagina (after prolonged use of suppositories);
- hyperthyroidism (if the patient has a hereditary predisposition).
Interactions with other drugs
The drug cannot be combined with other antiseptic drugs, especially those that contain alkalis, enzymes or mercury.
The effects of Betadine are reduced when used in combination with hydrogen peroxide.
The effectiveness of the drug is weakened when mixed with blood, but when its concentration increases, the bactericidal effect of the drug is enhanced.
Reviews
Betadine in the form of ointment and solution is considered to be a fairly effective antiseptic that helps eliminate many diseases. Reviews also note that during treatment there are almost no side effects. Of the disadvantages, they only highlight the fact that the medicine can leave marks on linen and clothing.
Suppositories used by pregnant women also receive positive reviews - many of them managed to eliminate the symptoms of thrush with their help.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Betadine" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.