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Introduction About POVIKEM SOLUTION
POVIKEM SOLUTION contains povidone-iodine which belongs to the group of medicines called antiseptics. It is used to disinfect the surface of the skin before and after surgery or an injury. POVIKEM SOLUTION also helps to lessen the number of microorganisms in hands and forearms before surgery or during patient care.
POVIKEM SOLUTION is not intended for use by patients who have or had thyroid problems, allergic to povidone-iodine or are on lithium therapy for depression. Before using POVIKEM SOLUTION, inform your doctor if you have broken skin(burns) or have/had kidney diseases to avoid getting unwanted side effects.
POVIKEM SOLUTION should be used with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding women. POVIKEM SOLUTION is not recommended to use in children below 2 years of age. The side effects of using POVIKEM SOLUTION may include rashes, difficulty in breathing, itching and skin burns. Consult your doctor if any of your symptoms get worse or persist.
Uses Of POVIKEM SOLUTION
- Disinfects the skin surface before and after surgery or following an injury
How POVIKEM SOLUTION Works
POVIKEM SOLUTION contains povidone iodine. Povidone iodine is a chemical that enters microbial cell membranes and interacts with its essential proteins, nucleotides and fatty acids ultimately causing cell death. As a result, it controls infection.
How to use POVIKEM SOLUTION
Always use POVIKEM SOLUTION as directed by your physician. It is for external use only. Avoid contact with your eyes, nose or mouth. Your doctor will decide the required dose and duration of POVIKEM SOLUTION for you as per your age and disease condition. Consult your doctor before using.
- To clean the skin of the patient before the procedure: After shaving the operation site, wet the area with water. Apply POVIKEM SOLUTION over the affected area for 2 minutes using a sterile gauze dipped in water. Make a lather and then wash off
- For preoperative skin cleaning(disinfecting) by staff from the operating department: Wet hands with water. 5 ml of POVIKEM SOLUTION should be poured onto each hand's palm and distributed evenly. Rub the scrub well for at least 2 minutes without adding more water. Clean your fingernails completely. Lather up with a little water added and then thoroughly rinse under running water
- As a topical solution: Clean the affected area. Apply POVIKEM SOLUTION over the affected area, keep it uncovered or cover it with a sterile bandage
Side Effects Of POVIKEM SOLUTION
Uncommon
- rashes
- difficulty in breathing
Rare
- itching
- burns on the skin
Stop using POVIKEM SOLUTION and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following
- weight loss, increased hunger and sweating; or lack of energy and weight gain (symptoms of thyroid disorders)
- lack of energy, confusion, difficulty to breath (symptoms of the increased amount of acid in the blood)
- difficulty in urinating, thirst and a dry mouth and pain in one side of your back (symptoms of kidney failure)
- development of skin irritation, skin rashes, itching, sensitivity, pain, swelling or redness
- in the event of severe burns or deep open wounds
- swelling of mouth, lip and face with difficulty in breathing, chest tightness along with skin rashes
How To Manage Side Effects
Skin rashes:
Do not scrub your skin. Use mild cleaners. Do not directly apply cosmetic lotions or ointments on the rash. For cleaning, use warm water rather than hot water. keep the affected area exposed to the air as much as possible. Consult your doctor if any of your symptoms get worse or persist.
Skin itching:
Apply ice packs to the affected area. Take an oatmeal bath. Apply moisturizers if required. Always stay hydrated. Consult your doctor if any of your symptoms get worse or persist.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
POVIKEM SOLUTION should be used with caution if you are pregnant. Consult your doctor before using it.

Breastfeeding
POVIKEM SOLUTION should be used with caution in breastfeeding mothers. Consult your doctor before using it.

Kidney
POVIKEM SOLUTION should be used with caution in patients who have or had a history of kidney diseases. Consult your doctor before using it.

Allergy
Do not use POVIKEM SOLUTION if you are allergic to povidone iodine or any other ingredients in it. Consult your doctor before using it.
Others
POVIKEM SOLUTION is not recommended to use if you are:
- having or had a history of thyroid diseases (swelling of the thyroid gland due to nodular colloid goitre, endemic goitre or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)
- undergoing management for depression (using lithium)
Before using POVIKEM SOLUTION inform your doctor if you:
- have broken skin (due to burns)
- are planning to do lab tests like stool test, thyroid test and urine test (as interaction with POVIKEM SOLUTION may give false results)
Use in paediatrics:
POVIKEM SOLUTION is not recommended for use in children below 2 years of age. Consult a doctor before using it.
Use in geriatrics:
The safety and efficacy of POVIKEM SOLUTION in the elderly population are not established. Consult your doctor before using it.
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before using POVIKEM SOLUTION, inform your doctor if you are taking:
- medicine used to manage depression (ex. Lithium)
- any other medicines, including prescription, non-prescription or any other herbal medicines
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally used more of or accidentally ingested POVIKEM SOLUTION, consult your doctor or visit the nearby hospital.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Povidone iodine |
Pharmacological Category | : | Antiseptic |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Disinfects the skin surface |
Dosage Forms | : |
Scrub, soap, cream, dressing pad, dusting powder, eye drops, gargle, gel, liquid, lotion, ointment, mouthwash, mouth spray, pessarie, powder, sachet, spray, syrup, wash |
More Information
- Keep POVIKEM SOLUTION out of reach from children
- Store at room temperature
FAQs About POVIKEM SOLUTION
What is POVIKEM SOLUTION used for?
POVIKEM SOLUTION is used in to disinfect the surface of the skin due to microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) before and after operations. POVIKEM SOLUTION also helps to lessen microorganisms in hands and forearms before surgery or patient care. Consult a doctor before using.
What are the side effects of using POVIKEM SOLUTION?
Side effects of using POVIKEM SOLUTION may include rashes, difficulty in breathing, itching and skin burns. Consult a doctor if any of these symptoms are worsening.
Why is it asked to remove gold jewellery before using POVIKEM SOLUTION?
Contact with POVIKEM SOLUTION can permanently discolour your white gold jewellery. So, it is recommended to remove jewellery before using POVIKEM SOLUTION.
Can I use POVIKEM SOLUTION to clean broken skin due to burns?
It is not recommended to use POVIKEM SOLUTION in broken skin as it may cause toxic levels of iodine to be absorbed into your blood. Consult a doctor before using it.
Is it safe to use POVIKEM SOLUTION in children below 1 year?
No. POVIKEM SOLUTION is not recommended to be used in children below 2 years of age. Consult a doctor before using it.
References
1. KD Tripathi. Antiseptics, Disinfectants and Ectoparasiticides. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Eighth edition. 2019. Page – 959.
2. Maren eggers. Infectious Disease Management and Control with Povidone Iodine. SpringerLink. [Published on 14th August 2019][Accessed on 13th October 2022] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40121-019-00260-x
3. Lepelletier, Didier, Jean Yves Maillard, Bruno Pozzetto and Anne Simon. Povidone iodine: properties, mechanisms of action and role in infection control and Staphylococcus aureus decolonization. NIH.National Library of Medicine.Nationalcenter for Biotechnology Information. Pubmed Central. [Published on 20th August 2020] [Accessed on 13th October 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7449185/#:~:text=Mechanism%20of%20action%20and%20antimicrobial%20spectrum.,death%20(23%2C%2024).
4. SSL International plc. Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). [Approved in July 2019] [Accessed on 13th October 2022] https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/31193cd7-e8bd-4e84-b760-73788d71f1be.pdf
5. Povidone iodine. United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). [Accessed on 13th October 2022] https://fdaghana.gov.gh/img/pils/Povidone%20Iodine%2010%25w_v%20Topical%20Solution.pdf
6. Avrio Health L.P, Dailymed. Povidone iodine. [Revised on 4th OCTOBER 2022] [Accessed on 13th October 2022] https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=1ad39e11-ea1e-44a4-8224-93f8135436c2&audience=consumer
7. CareFusion 213 LLC, Dailymed. Povidone iodine. [Revised on 20th January 2021] [Accessed on 13th October 2022] https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=19182492-4cde-481f-bac0-7b47ac8cad4e
8. Thatcher company. Povidone iodine. [Revised on 4th October 2022] [Accessed on 13th October 2022] https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=41891599-420e-48d2-8e31-d28a2209e383