Povidone Iodine+ornidazole
About
Povidone Iodine+ornidazole belongs to the class of medications called 'antiseptic and disinfectant' primarily used to treat and prevent skin infections in minor burns, lacerations (deep cuts in the skin), cuts, and abrasions (the first layer of skin is scraped off). It also helps to treat infections of the lining of the mouth and throat, such as gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and mouth ulcers. Povidone Iodine+ornidazole is also used in infection control during insertion and care of urinary catheters, circumcision (removal of the foreskin from the human penis), suture removal and dressing changes.
Povidone Iodine+ornidazole is a combination drug containing Povidone-Iodine and Ornidazole. Povidone Iodine works by inhibiting the growth of infection-causing microbes. As a small molecule, iodine in Povidone Iodine+ornidazole can easily penetrate microorganisms and oxidizes essential proteins, nucleotides, and fatty acids, leading to cell death. Ornidazole inhibits protein synthesis and leads to cell death, thereby killing the bacteria. Collectively, both treat cuts, wounds and infections.
Povidone Iodine+ornidazole is for external use only. Povidone Iodine+ornidazole has common side effects, as every medicine does. These include local swelling, itchiness, redness, small blisters, and irritation at the application site. These side effects gradually resolve during the treatment and do not require medical attention.
Brief your medical history to the doctor if you are allergic to iodine or povidone. Let your doctor know if you have an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) or thyroid diseases, liver, and kidney problems. Please tell your doctor if you are undergoing lithium therapy or radioactive iodine treatment. Povidone Iodine+ornidazole should not be used before or after radioiodine scintigraphy or radioiodine treatment of thyroid carcinoma. Using Povidone Iodine+ornidazole during breastfeeding may increase the iodine levels in the breastmilk, which can cause hypothyroidism in breastfed infants. Povidone Iodine+ornidazole can cause excessive iodine absorption with its vaginal use; hence avoid douching (washing) with Povidone Iodine+ornidazole and iodine-containing tampons during breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive before using Povidone Iodine+ornidazole since it can affect the unborn baby.
Uses of Povidone Iodine+ornidazole
Medicinal Benefits
Povidone Iodine+ornidazole is an antiseptic and disinfectant used to treat and prevent skin infections in minor burns, lacerations (deep cuts in the skin), cuts, and abrasions (the first layer of skin is scraped off). It helps treat infections of the lining of the mouth and throat, such as gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and mouth ulcers. Povidone Iodine+ornidazole is also used in infection control during insertion and care of urinary catheters, circumcision (removal of the foreskin from the human penis), suture removal and dressing changes. It works by inhibiting the growth of infection-causing microbes. Povidone Iodine+ornidazole is effective against bacteria (Gram-positive and Gram-negative, including antibiotic-resistant and antiseptic-resistant strains), fungi, viruses, and protozoa. Povidone Iodine+ornidazole is used in degerming (physical removal of microbes), stasis ulcers (wound on the leg or ankle due to damaged veins), decubitus ulcers (bed sores), and the umbilical area. It is also used for degerming intravenous devices in blood transfusions, hyperalimentation (artificial supply of nutrients), cutdowns, and central venous lines.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Povidone Iodine+ornidazole
- Local swelling
- Itchiness
- Redness
- Small blisters
- Irritation at the application site
- Swelling of the skin and mucosa
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not use Povidone Iodine+ornidazole if you are allergic to povidone-iodine. Let your doctor know if you have an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), any other thyroid diseases, or liver and kidney problems since the usage of Povidone Iodine+ornidazole can cause iodine absorption into the body. This iodine absorption may lead to a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) and restlessness, imbalance of electrolytes, abnormal blood concentration (osmolarity), and abnormal kidney function (renal impairment). Please tell your doctor if you are undergoing any lithium therapy or radioactive iodine treatment. Povidone Iodine+ornidazole should not be used before or after radioiodine scintigraphy or radioiodine treatment of thyroid carcinoma. Using Povidone Iodine+ornidazole during breastfeeding may increase the iodine levels in the breastmilk, which can cause hypothyroidism in breastfed infants. Povidone Iodine+ornidazole can cause excessive iodine absorption with its vaginal use; hence avoid douching (washing) with Povidone Iodine+ornidazole and iodine-containing tampons during breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive before using the Povidone Iodine+ornidazole since it can affect the unborn baby.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Povidone Iodine+ornidazole may interact with other antiseptics and products containing enzymatic components, alkali, mercury, silver, hydrogen peroxide, tannic acid, taurolidine, pain killers (aspirin, ibuprofen), antibiotic (azithromycin, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim), corticosteroids (dexamethasone), anti-diabetic (metformin), bronchodilator (albuterol), and diuretics (furosemide).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interaction found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Before taking Povidone Iodine+ornidazole, let your doctor know if you have any allergic reactions to iodine or povidone, overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) or any other thyroid diseases, liver, and kidney problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safe if prescribedNo interaction found/established.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult the doctor. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on pregnant women. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor; there is no substantial research yet on using Povidone Iodine+ornidazole in breastfeeding/nursing mothers.
Driving
safe if prescribedPovidone Iodine+ornidazole is generally safe to use before driving. However, if you notice any side effects like dizziness or burning sensation in the affected areas, avoid driving and operating machinery until you feel better.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor before receiving the Povidone Iodine+ornidazole if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor before receiving the Povidone Iodine+ornidazole if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
safe if prescribedYour doctor will prescribe Povidone Iodine+ornidazole depending on your child's severity of infection or wounds.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Use mild soap while taking baths and prefer warm baths.
- Avoid harsh products on your skin.
- Do not scratch or pick your skin to avoid getting the affected area infected.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
- Do not walk barefoot at places like gym showers to prevent bacterial infections.
Special Advise
- Thyroid function monitoring (thyroid function tests like T3, T4 and TSH levels) is recommended in patients to check on overactive thyroid gland function, which is possible due to iodine absorption into the body.
- Regular monitoring of electrolytes is necessary since iodine is possibly absorbed into the body and causes an imbalance of electrolytes.
- It is better to take an electrocardiograph (ECG) if you notice rapid heartbeat (tachycardia).
- It is advised to take a blood osmolarity test since Povidone Iodine+ornidazole may cause iodine absorption leading to abnormal blood concentration.
- Kidney function monitoring is advised in patients since Povidone Iodine+ornidazole may affect kidney disease patients with renal impairment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Skin infection: Skin infection can occur when the skin is broken, cut or wounded. This skin infection allows pathogenic microorganisms to enter and invade the tissues surrounding the wound.
FAQs
Povidone Iodine+ornidazole is a combination drug containing antiseptic and antibacterial that treats skin infections of wounds and cuts. Povidone Iodine+ornidazole works by inhibiting the growth of infection-causing microbes. As a small molecule, Iodine in Povidone Iodine+ornidazole can easily penetrate microorganisms and oxidizes essential proteins, nucleotides, and fatty acids, leading to cell death.
Povidone Iodine+ornidazole is for external use only. Do not swallow or put Povidone Iodine+ornidazole in the eyes. Povidone Iodine+ornidazole is available in the form of a solution, cream, ointment, external pad, swab sticks, spray, and surgical scrub. Each formulation has its directions for usage. Please read the instructions leaflet of Povidone Iodine+ornidazole carefully before using. Your doctor will decide on the dose and duration based on your condition.
Povidone Iodine+ornidazole should be used with proper caution and doctor consultation if you have any liver disease, kidney disease, goitre (abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland), thyroid nodules or other non-acute thyroid diseases. Please tell your doctor if you are undergoing any lithium therapy or treatment involving radioactive iodine.
Povidone Iodine+ornidazole is not recommended for use if you are undergoing any lithium therapy or treatment involving radioactive iodine. Povidone Iodine+ornidazole should not be used before or after radioiodine scintigraphy or radioiodine treatment of thyroid carcinoma. In such conditions, please consult your doctor before using Povidone Iodine+ornidazole.
Povidone Iodine+ornidazole may interfere with thyroid function tests due to iodine absorption. Please ask your doctor before starting Povidone Iodine+ornidazole if you have any history of thyroid problems. A Povidone Iodine+ornidazole can also show false-positive lab results, such as tests with toluidine or gum guaiac, to determine haemoglobin or glucose in the stool or the urine.
If you miss a dose of Povidone Iodine+ornidazole, skip it and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.