Betadine®: Full Product Review and Price
Betadine® is a pharmaceutical product marketed in our country by the pharmaceutical company Meda Pharma Spa. It owes its action to povidone iodine, the active ingredient which performs an important action in disinfecting and cleaning skin lesions.
On the market we can find different formulations of this product such as ovules and vaginal solution ( gynecological ), mouthwash, 10% skin solution in different formats, vials and cannulas for vaginal instillation, skin gel, germicidal soap.
How much?
The price of Betadine® depends on the type of product you buy. Since it is a product that can be bought without a prescription, it is possible to buy it on offer in online pharmacies.
How does it work?
Povidone – iodine has an antiseptic activity and acts on Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, against fungi, yeasts, protozoa and against some viruses. Compared to iodine, Betadine® has the characteristic of being soluble in water and of being less irritating.
Respecting the recommended doses, povidone-iodine is poorly absorbed by the mucous membranes and does not cause any type of change in the function of the thyroid and kidneys when they are healthy. It is a self-medication drug and for any doubts about the use of the drug it is advisable to seek the opinion of the doctor.
What is it used for?
The use of Betadine® can be used in the case of:
- Skin lesions;
- Wounds;
- Plagues.
Betadine® is useful in the treatment of skin lesions and for use in short periods of treatment.
How to use?
It is advisable not to exceed the recommended doses indicated on the leaflet without first resorting to the advice of your doctor. Dosage of Betadine®: apply the product 2 times a day directly on small lesions, wounds and skin infections.
The disinfected and injured part can be covered with sterile gauze and special adhesive bandages. A quantity of products of 5 mL of solution is sufficient to treat an area of skin approximately 15 cm wide on each side.
The solution has a brownish color, it must be applied directly to the skin and creates a film on the surface that protects the skin and leaves no residue or stains.
This disinfectant should only be used for a short period of treatment and if no results are reported it is advisable to seek the advice of your doctor.
Overdose
The product is used locally and for this reason it is extremely unlikely that excessive consumption of Betadine® will occur. In the rare case of taking doses higher than those recommended, it could happen that the drug causes the typical side effects of iodine.
Iodine in high doses can interfere with the normal functioning of the thyroid gland and increase or decrease its functionality. In the rare case of using too high a dose of Betadine® 10% in solution for the skin, it is advisable to notify your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital, but this is a rather rare situation.
Contraindications
Therapy based on Betadine® is absolutely contraindicated if the patient has shown in the past or even in recent times hypersensitivity to povidone-iodine, or to any of the excipients contained in the medicine.
The other ingredients contained in are: glycerol, dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, macrogol lauryl ether, citric acid monohydrate, purified water and sodium hydroxide. For any doubts about the use of the drug, it is advisable to seek the opinion of the doctor.
Precautions for use
In pediatric age, the product should only be used if clearly needed and only under strict medical supervision. In the event that the use of the product is necessary for prolonged periods of time and/or on very large body surfaces, on the mucous membranes or for use under an occlusive dressing, the thyroid must be kept under control and the presence of disorders evaluated using special thyroid function tests.
It is necessary to interrupt the treatment with Betadine® at least 10 days before doing the scintigraphy with the labeled iodine, or the thyroid function test. Accidental ingestion or inhalation of Betadine® as well as other types of disinfectants can cause serious consequences, in some cases even fatal.
Avoid contact with eyes, in the event that the disinfectant accidentally gets into the eyes, rinse and consult a doctor immediately. Keep the product tightly closed and away from heat sources or sunlight.
Remember not to use the medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the package. The drug must be used only if well kept away from sources of light and heat and tightly closed. Always keep at a temperature below 30°C.
It is advisable to keep the leaflet to always have the necessary information on the product available. For any doubts on the use of the product, it is advisable to seek the opinion of the doctor.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
It is advisable to seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist before taking any drug during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
During pregnancy and/or breastfeeding any drug can be used only and only after requesting medical advice and only after assessing with him the relationship between the risks and benefits for the mother.
It is advisable to consult your doctor before using any drug, even if you wish to become pregnant or if you suspect one.
Interactions with other substances
Povidone-iodine may have interactions with other drugs, to be considered before administration. Any other drug therapies may need to be discontinued.
It is recommended to avoid using Betadine® in conjunction with other antiseptic and/or cleansing products. It is advisable not to use products and medicines containing mercury salts or benzoin-based compounds on the injured and treated skin area at the same time.
They could cause incompatibilities and interactions with mercury salts, tannic acid, carbonates, alkalis and hydrogen peroxide. If the patient is using other medicines even without a prescription, he should ask the doctor or pharmacist for advice before starting to use Betadine®.
Side effects
The use of Betadine® is associated with side effects for the patient, even serious ones, which must be taken into account before administering the product. In some cases, the use of this disinfectant can cause burning and/or irritation. The use of the product, especially when prolonged, could cause sensitization phenomena.
In the event that sensitization occurs, it is advisable to interrupt the treatment based on Betadine® and to consult the doctor to find a new therapy that is suitable for the patient.
Iodine, reacting with the tissues affected by the lesion, could delay healing. Carefully following the instructions on the package leaflet minimizes the risk of undesirable effects.
Side effects are usually transient and last for a short time. However, if they should occur, it is advisable to seek the advice of your doctor or trusted pharmacist.
It is necessary to inform your doctor or pharmacist of any side effects that are not known and not listed on the package leaflet. The doctor or pharmacist will take care of informing the Italian Medicines Agency of the unknown side effects reported by the patient. For any doubts about the use and side effects of the drug, it is advisable to seek the advice of the doctor.
She defines herself as curious by nature. In 2006 she graduated with honors in Biotechnology at the Sapienza University of Rome. Between 2005 and 2009, she carried out a university internship and research activity in the field of tumor immunotherapy. She is a co-author of three scientific publications. Since 2007 you have associated your passion for science with that for the web, starting the management of the FitnessEquilibrium.com project.