Betadine Antiseptic Liquid Spray (Povidone-Iodine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Betadine Antiseptic Liquid Spray Used For?
Betadine Antiseptic Liquid Spray is an antiseptic medication that rapidly kills bacteria commonly responsible for wound and skin infections.
Primary Uses
Used for antisepsis of minor cuts, abrasions, minor burns and the treatment of minor skin infections.
How It Works
Contains povidone-iodine as the active ingredient which rapidly kills bacteria that cause wound and skin infections.
External Use Only: This medication is for external use only and should not be swallowed.
How to Use Betadine Antiseptic Liquid Spray
This antiseptic spray is for topical use on the skin only and should be applied carefully according to instructions.
Application Instructions
Hold bottle about 25 cm from skin. Press valve firmly with index finger and spray from any angle to cover desired area. Apply to affected area two or three times per day. Allow to dry. Area may be covered with a secondary dressing and bandaged if desired. Replace cap after use. If actuator clogs, remove and soak with warm water.
Special Instructions
For burns, should only be applied after at least 10 minutes of rapid cooling of the affected area. Do not mix with other detergents or other chemicals.
Important: Avoid inhalation and avoid contact with eyes. Medical advice should be sought for the treatment of more serious burns.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Red or inflamed skin
- Peeling skin
- Dry skin
- Skin discolouration
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Rash, swelling of face, lips, throat, or tongue
- Itching and burns or small blisters on skin
- Thyroid disorders (weight loss, increased appetite and sweating, or lack of energy and weight gain)
- Increased amounts of acid in blood (shortness of breath, confusion and lethargy)
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Abnormal blood osmolarity
- Kidney failure (difficulty urinating, thirst and dry mouth, pain in one side of back)
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and contraindications to be aware of before using this medication.
Who Should Not Use Betadine Antiseptic Liquid Spray
Do not use if you are allergic to povidone or any ingredients, have hypersensitivity to povidone iodine or polyvinylpyrrolidone, currently have or have ever had thyroid problems (including swelling, nodular colloid goitre, endemic goitre or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), are pregnant or breastfeeding, or for children below 2 years of age. Do not use for 4 weeks prior to treatment for cancer of the thyroid.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any medicines for any other conditions, have ever had a kidney problem as using this product may cause toxic levels of iodine to be absorbed into your blood.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Betadine Antiseptic Liquid Spray is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Prolonged Use Warning: Prolonged use may cause irritation or rarely, severe skin reactions. If irritation, redness or swelling develops, discontinue treatment and consult a doctor.
Drug Interactions
Several medications and products can interact with Betadine Antiseptic Liquid Spray and affect how it works.
Important: Do not use other wound-treatment preparations or certain disinfectants at the same time as this can lead to ineffectiveness of both preparations.
- Lithium (for depression) – can affect thyroid gland function
- Wound-treatment preparations containing enzymatic components
- Disinfectants containing silver, hydrogen peroxide or taurolidine
- Octenidine containing antiseptics – may cause dark discolorations
- Mercury containing wound-treatment products – can form skin-damaging substances
Alcohol & Driving
This medication has no influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Betadine has no influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
Storage
Keep your medicine in a place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink, or in the car or on window sills. Keep it where young children cannot reach it. Do not use after the expiry date.
Overdose Information
If you think that you have used too much Betadine Antiseptic Liquid, you may need urgent medical attention. If you accidentally swallow any, go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department or contact your doctor immediately. You should immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre in Australia (13 11 26), or New Zealand (0800 POISON or 0800 764 766), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apply to the affected area two or three times per day. Allow to dry between applications.
Do not use in children below 2 years of age. For older children, consult with a doctor or pharmacist before use.
Do not use if you currently have or have ever had thyroid problems, including swelling, nodular colloid goitre, endemic goitre or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, as this can further affect thyroid function.
No, do not use other wound-treatment preparations containing enzymatic components or disinfectants containing silver, hydrogen peroxide or taurolidine at the same time, as this can make both preparations ineffective.
Yes, Betadine Antiseptic Liquid Spray can permanently discolour white gold jewellery. It is recommended to remove this type of jewellery before using this product.
If irritation, redness or swelling develops, discontinue treatment and consult a doctor immediately.
No, Betadine Antiseptic Liquid Spray is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.