Dr. Bharat MBBS , General Physician

No, Macbery Gargle should not be used for the treatment of vaginitis in pregnant women. This is because exposure to iodine-containing solution could lead to the development of hypothyroidism and goiter in the infant. Vaginitis is the swelling of the vulva or vagina. It may develop from the use of soap, perfumes, not washing well, menopause, wearing tight undergarments, etc. It can stem from a bacterial, yeast, fungal or a protozoan infection. It can be effectively managed by washing the infected area with only water, keeping it dry, taking a warm bath, wearing comfortable undergarments, keeping the blood sugar levels under control and using pads and not tampons. It is also important to use an antiseptic as per the recommendations of a doctor.

Dr. Rajeev Kumar Ranjan MBBS , Pulmonology

Macbery Gargle is used as an antiseptic and a disinfectant. It is used for the treatment of contaminated wounds, pre-operative preparation of mucous membranes and skin and disinfection of the equipment. Macbery Gargle is also available as a sterile solution for prepping eyelids, cheek and brows and ocular region irrigation (cleansing of eyes).

Dr. Ajay Kumar MBBS, MD , Psychiatry, General Physician, Infectious Disease, Sexology, Internal Medicine, Venereology, Diabetology

Macbery Gargle 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.

Dr. Manoj Meena MBBS , General Physician

No, Macbery Gargle is not an antibiotic. It is an antiseptic. It is used against fungi, yeast, bacteria, and protozoans. It is also used as a disinfectant for cleaning the equipment. It is used extensively as an antiseptic because of its good safety, efficacy and tolerability profile. It is broad-spectrum in nature and doesn't have the complication of resistance developing to it. 

Dr. Saikat Mukherjee MBBS , General Physician

Macbery Gargle 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.