Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Swab area with Betadine

Betadine (povidone-iodine) is a topical antiseptic that kills microorganisms by releasing iodine, which oxidizes and denatures bacterial and viral proteins.

Betadine (povidone-iodine) is a topical antiseptic that kills microorganisms by releasing iodine, which oxidizes and denatures bacterial and viral proteins. Used for Skin antisepsis prior to surgical procedures, Skin antisepsis prior to injections or venipuncture, Minor wound disinfection.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Povidone-iodine is a complex of iodine with polyvinylpyrrolidone that provides sustained release of iodine at the application site. The iodine penetrates microbial cell walls and oxidizes essential proteins and nucleic acids, resulting in broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and some protozoa. It is commonly used for skin antisepsis prior to surgical procedures or injections.

Approved indications

• Skin antisepsis prior to surgical procedures
• Skin antisepsis prior to injections or venipuncture
• Minor wound disinfection

Common side effects

• Local irritation or erythema
• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Iodine sensitivity reactions

Key clinical trials

• Hyaluronic Acid +Hydroxyapatite Vs Hydroxyapatite in Bone Regeneration (NA)
• Utility of Samples in Bacteriological Prospective Series of Ulcers Leg Infected Clinically (NA)
• EPIC: Effect of Povidone Iodine Periurethral Cleansing on Level of Contamination With Clean Catch (NA)
• Povidone-iodine Against Sodium Hypochlorite as Skin Antiseptics (PHASE3)
• Chlorhexidine Against Sodium Hypochlorite as Skin Antiseptics (PHASE3)
• ChloraPrep Versus Betadine for Elective Knee Replacement Surgery (PHASE4)
• Comparison of Patient Comfort After Two Anesthetic Protocols for Injections Into the Eye (NA)

Primary sources

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