Betadine Antiseptic Liquid is useful for the treatment of minor skin infections.

Purpose: Betadine Antiseptic Liquid is a bactericidal, fungicidal antiseptic useful for the treatment of common skin infections such as infected nails, tinea, and prevention of infection in minor burns, cuts and abrasions.

Dosage: Apply Betadine Antiseptic Liquid directly to affected area two to three times daily. The area may be bandaged if required. 

Active Ingredients: Betadine Antiseptic Liquid contains 10% Povidone-Iodine. equiv to 1% w/w available Iodine.

Adverse Effects:

Warnings: Do not use Betadine if you are hypersensitive to Iodine.

Avoid application over large areas of skin.

If irritation, redness or swelling develops discontinue treatment.

Betadine Antiseptic Liquid (povidone-iodine) is a potent topical antiseptic used to prevent or treat infection in minor wounds. It is effective at killing bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans, molds and yeast.

Betadine, and its generic equivalent povidone-iodine, is widely used around the world in hospital settings and at home. It is commonly used as a surgical scrub and is applied pre- and post-op to surgical sites. It is also frequently used to cleanse ulcers and other wounds in medical settings. At home, it is commonly applied to:

• Cuts
• Scrapes
• Abrasions
• Blisters
• Burns
• Insect bites or stings
• Athlete's foot
• Infections around fingernails or toenails
• Ringworm
• Other minor infections

Betadine Antiseptic Liquid can be applied at home to other types of injuries or infections, such as vaginitis or ulcers, with doctor instruction.

Benefits of Betadine Antiseptic Liquid

This versatile and highly effective antiseptic should be a standard in every first aid kit. It is safe for use in all ages, widely available, inexpensive and easy to apply.

As the name suggests, the antiseptic comes as a liquid. It can be applied by simply pouring the fluid over the wound or by dabbing it on with a cotton ball or cotton swab. Once applied the fluid can be covered with a bandage or dressing if desired.

To prevent or treat infections Betadine Antiseptic Liquid should be applied two or three times per day, with applications spread evenly apart. The antiseptic should be applied directly to the wound or infection. It should not be used on mucous membranes, large open wounds or over large areas of the body without doctor instruction. Additionally, it should not be used on very hairy areas, such as to treat fungal infections on the scalp, unless the area is shaved first.

One of the advantages of using povidone-iodine versus more traditional tincture of iodine is that povidone-iodine is less likely to stain skin, clothing or other materials. Some individuals will experience reddish or brownish staining on skin, but this should quickly fade. Wash with cold water to remove the fluid from clothing.

A more significant benefit is the antiseptic's ability to kill a broad range of microbes, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA. Iodine does not contribute to resistant microbes, and is often considerably less costly than first-aid creams containing antibiotics or antifungals that do contribute to resistant microbes.

Warnings and Adverse Effects

Unlike traditional tincture of iodine, which contains alcohol, povidone-iodine typically doesn't hurt when applied, though it may sting or burn briefly. This sensation is typically mild and passes quickly, and many people experience no discomfort at all. If pain is persistent or severe, or if irritation, redness or inflammation develops at the application site, discontinue use and consider alternative options.

Individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to any form of iodine should not use this product.

Note that povidone-iodine can be rendered ineffective when it contacts certain other materials, including hydrogen peroxide, some antimicrobial solutions, and many types of metals, such as silver or mercury. For these reasons Betadine Antiseptic Liquid is not a good choice for use around metal piercings and it should not be mixed with other topical wound-care products.

Use of this or any iodine product should be discussed with a doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Betadine Antiseptic Liquid may begin to lose potency around 3 years after being opened.