Sovidone Ointment
Generic composition: Povidone Iodine
General Introduction
Povidone-iodine is a stable chemical complex of polyvinylpyrrolidone (povidone, PVP) and elemental iodine.
Therapeutic category
- Microbicidal
Dosage forms available
- SOVIDONE Ointment 5%
Pharmacodynamics
Povidone iodine is a kind of iodine disinfectant which directly causes in vivo protein denaturation, precipitation of bacteria, and further resulting in the death of pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, it is effective in disinfection and sterilization.
It can kill viruses, bacteria, spores, fungi, and protozoa with low toxicity to human. Povidone-iodine aqueous solution has strong pharmacological activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, syphilis, hepatitis B virus, HIV, and Trichomonas vaginalis.
Mechanism of action
Povidone-iodine is called iodophore which means povidone acts as a carrier of iodine. Iodine is considered as the active moiety that mediates microbicidal actions. When released from the complex, free iodine penetrates the cell wall of microorganisms quickly, and the lethal effects are believed to result from disruption of protein and nucleic acid structure and synthesis. While the full mechanism of action is not fully elucidated, iodine is thought to inhibit vital bacterial cellular mechanisms and structures, and oxidizes nucleotides fatty or amino acids in bacterial cell membranes. Additionally, free iodine disrupts the function of the cytosolic enzymes involved in the respiratory chain, causing them to become denatured and deactivated.
Uses
- Used as an antiseptic against the wound, injuries, bacterial infections
Dosage application
- Apply topically to affected area 1-3 times daily.
Precautions
Povidone-iodine is for external use only. Do not apply over large areas of the body.
Do not ingest topical solution or ointments or gels or apply to eyes.
Contraindications
- Allergic to povidone-iodine or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
