Dr. Vinod Verma MBBS , Diabetology

Yes, Betadine is used for open wounds since last few decades. It remains a favorite agent for use as an antiseptic and as a wound-healing agent because of its safety, tolerability, and efficacy. Betadine has a broad spectrum of activity, has reduced cell toxicity, low incidence of resistance has anti-inflammatory property, and is able to penetrate biofilms (cluster of microorganisms attached to the cell surface).

Dr. Ramraj MBBS , Other

Yes, there have been reports of Betadine causing acute kidney injury. Betadine is widely used as an antiseptic and as a preoperative and postoperative surgical scrub. Its main moiety is iodine which is effective against yeast, fungi, bacteria, and protozoans. However, it is also known to cause toxicity, resulting in acute kidney injury in a person who ingested it, in people in whom it has been used topically, etc.

Dr. Kapil Sharma MBBS , General Physician

Yes, in rare instances, Betadine may cause allergy. It could be manifested as a rash, an itch, a swelling around the mouth, on lips, tongue or throat, wheezing, sneezing, etc. If you develop any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor immediately. 

Dr. Saikat Mukherjee MBBS , General Physician

Betadine is also known as an iodophor, meaning that povidone is a carrier of iodine. Iodine kills the microbes as it acts as the active molecule. Once released from the complex, the free iodine penetrates into the cell walls of the microorganisms and inhibits the synthesis and structures of proteins and nucleic acids. Even though the complete mechanism is not understood, it is hypothesized that iodine disrupts the vital bacterial structures and mechanisms, denaturing and deactivating the bacteria. In-vitro studies have also suggested that iodine decreases the inflammation caused by the pathogens and host cells.

Dr. Ajay Kumar MBBS, MD , General Physician

Betadine is a brand name for a complex containing elemental iodine and polyvinylpyrrolidone (povidone, PVP). It is extensively used as an antiseptic and a disinfectant. It is usually used in the solution form.