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Iodoxide

Medical expert of the article

Internist, pulmonologist
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025

The active substance of Iodoxide is povidone-iodine – an antiseptic and disinfectant with a broad spectrum of action.

The drug is an antiseptic and is used for local treatment in gynecology.

ATC classification

G01AX11 Povidone-iodine

Active ingredients

Повидон-йод

Pharmacological group

Противомикробные и антисептические средства, применяемые в гинекологии

Pharmachologic effect

Противомикробные препараты

Indications Iodoxide

Iodoxide is prescribed for acute and chronic vaginal infections (bacterial vaginosis, fungal infections, infections that develop during treatment with antibiotics and steroid drugs).

The drug can be used as a prophylactic agent during diagnostics or before gynecological operations.

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Release form

Iodoxide is available in the form of vaginal suppositories, which are torpedo-shaped and brown or dark brown in color.

Iodoxide suppositories

Iodoxide suppositories are used to treat infectious and inflammatory diseases of the vagina in acute and chronic forms.

Iodine suppositories may be prescribed to reduce the risk of complications before insertion or removal of intrauterine contraceptives, abortion, X-ray examination of the uterus, electrocoagulation of cervical erosion (cauterization), etc.

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Vaginal suppositories Iodoxide

Iodoxide suppositories, like other drugs in this form, are the most convenient way to “deliver” the active substance directly to the affected area.

This form of release has several advantages in comparison with creams or vaginal tablets:

  • thanks to the soft base, the suppository smoothly covers the entire vaginal mucosa, and the active substance is evenly distributed over the surface
  • iodine suppositories soften the mucous membrane and wash out pathogenic flora from the vagina
  • suppositories do not damage the mucous membrane when administered (unlike tablets)

Pharmacodynamics

Iodoxide is a complex of iodine and polyvinylpromidone (PVP) that releases iodine over a period of time after application to the skin or mucous membranes.

Iodine has a powerful bactericidal effect, has a broad antimicrobial effect, destroys viruses and protozoa.

When in contact with skin or mucous membranes, PVP releases a significant amount of iodine, which reacts with the proteins of pathogenic flora and destroys them.

Most pathogenic microorganisms die within the first minutes after iodine comes into contact with the skin or mucous membranes, and iodine loses its rich brown color.

With long-term use of the drug, pathogenic microorganisms do not develop resistance to the active substance.

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Pharmacokinetics

Iodoxide, when used for a long time, can cause an increase in the amount of iodine in the blood. The iodine level returns to normal within 1-2 weeks after stopping the use of the drug.

If the thyroid gland is functioning normally, the drug does not cause an increase in iodine reserves and does not affect hormonal levels.

After vaginal administration, the half-life is approximately 48 hours. It is excreted from the body mainly by the kidneys.

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Dosing and administration

Iodoxide is used vaginally.

It is recommended to insert suppositories into the vagina once a day for a week.

For severe infections, the drug is used for 2 weeks.

For persistent infections, suppositories are administered twice a day.

Before insertion, remove the suppository from the shell, moisten it slightly and insert it deep into the vagina in a lying position. It is recommended to use disposable sanitary pads during treatment.

It is better to insert suppositories at night. The drug is used regardless of the menstrual cycle.

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Use Iodoxide during pregnancy

Iodoxide does not affect embryonic development. Iodine suppositories are contraindicated after the second month of pregnancy and during breastfeeding, since iodine can penetrate the placenta and into breast milk.

Contraindications

Iodoxide is contraindicated in cases of severe sensitivity of the body to iodine or other components of the drug (or if hypersensitivity is suspected).

Also, iodine suppositories are not prescribed for thyroid dysfunction, before and after treatment with radioactive iodine, Duhring's disease (skin lesions), or renal failure.

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Side effects Iodoxide

Iodoxide is usually well tolerated by patients, in some cases local reactions are observed (increased sensitivity, itching, burning, swelling, rash, redness, etc.)

Iodine suppositories can provoke an increase in the level of iodine in the blood, kidney failure, and impaired kidney function.

In some cases, acute reactions to the drug are possible, including anaphylactic shock, decreased blood pressure, and difficulty breathing.

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Overdose

If the dose is exceeded, iodoxide can cause a metallic taste in the mouth, excessive salivation, skin reactions (rash, itching), indigestion, kidney dysfunction, renal tubule dysfunction, cessation of urine flow into the bladder, swelling of the larynx, lungs, and eyes.

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Interactions with other drugs

When using Iodoxide and antiseptics simultaneously, a mutual reduction in therapeutic effectiveness is possible.

Iodine suppositories are not used with mercury-containing drugs, and are not prescribed for a long course to patients receiving lithium preparations.

Due to the oxidizing properties of iodine, the results of some diagnostic tests may be incorrect.

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Storage conditions

Iodoxide should be stored in a place where it is not exposed to sunlight, at a temperature of no more than 25°C.

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Special instructions

Instructions for use

Iodoxide is used in gynecology to treat bacterial infections, as well as for prophylaxis before vaginal surgery or during diagnostic procedures.

The drug is available in the form of vaginal suppositories, which are recommended to be slightly moistened before insertion into the vagina.

Usually 1-2 suppositories per day are prescribed (depending on the infectious agent).

Iodoxide for thrush

Iodoxide is used to treat candidiasis (thrush). Iodine suppositories have a broad antimicrobial effect and help get rid of the disease within a week.

To treat thrush, it is recommended to insert suppositories deep into the vagina in a lying position in the morning and evening.

Price

The cost of vaginal suppositories Iodoxide is around 100-130 UAH.

Analogues

The following drugs have a similar effect to Iodoxide:

Vocadine, Betadine.

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Iodoxide or Betadine

Iodoxide and Betadine contain the same active ingredient. Both drugs are antiseptics and have a broad spectrum of antiviral and antimicrobial action.

Reviews

Reviews of the drug Iodoxide are mostly positive.

Some patients note that during treatment there is a burning sensation at the treatment site (sometimes quite strong), in addition, the suppositories can stain underwear, so it is better to additionally use sanitary pads.

During treatment, brownish discharge may appear throughout the course of treatment.

Iodoxide is used for vaginal infections. The drug effectively destroys fungi, viruses and bacteria.

Iodine suppositories contain iodine, so during treatment there may be a slight burning sensation and brownish discharge from the vagina.

Shelf life

The medicine is suitable for use for 36 months from the date of manufacture.

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Manufacturer

Нижфарм, ОАО, г.Нижний Новгород, Российская Федерация


Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Iodoxide" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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