FEMININE CARE
9 Q&AsIdentify the cause – suspect infection by looking out for vaginal symptoms such as discharge with abnormal colour or amount.
Check for foreign objects like tampons or condoms after intimate sessions.
Wear cotton undergarments to encourage airflow and allow your vaginal area to breathe.103-106
Don’t:
Use fragrant body washes and soaps as it can disrupt the pH balance of your vagina.103-106
Bacterial infections are the most common cause, accounting for up to 50% of the cases. 102 They happen when there are changes in the types and amounts of bacteria normally found in the vagina.
Fungal infections like candida albicans are probably the next most common cause. Fungal infections are often called vaginal yeast infections.
Other possible causes of vaginal irritation include:
Tight nylon underwear that doesn’t provide good ventilation, resulting in perspiration and lack of air circulation103-106
The use of contraceptives103-106
The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for the treatment of other infections103-106
The use of vaginal deodorants103-106
The lack of personal hygiene103-10
Pregnant and lactating mothers are encouraged to avoid using the POVIDONE-IODINE BETADINE® Feminine Wash and Vaginal Douche due to the potential risks to the fetus/baby. There is a possible chance that the fetus/baby may be at risk of reversible hypothyroidism. Even though hypothyroidism is reversible, it might still lead to future metabolism conditions.59,107
Women who suffer from hypothyroidism should also avoid using the
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Feminine Wash and Vaginal Douche.59,107
Povidone-iodine, which is the active ingredient in POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Feminine Wash and Vaginal Douche, is naturally golden brown in colour. It will not stain your skin, fingernails or hair.59,107
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Feminine Wash and Vaginal Douche products can also be washed off even if they get into contact with your clothes. If you accidentally get some on natural fibers, it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap. For man-made fibers, it can usually be washed off with the help of a stain remover.59,107
CAUTION: Immediately wipe up spills on plastic floors.
THROAT CARE
14 Q&AsThese viruses and bacteria can be passed on via direct contact (e.g. touch an object that has the virus on it), airborne transmission (e.g. when someone coughs or sneezes) and close personal contact (e.g. kissing) 43.
A sore throat can be caused by different types of germs. Therefore, it is good to use a preparation that target different types and classes of germs88.
Viruses are tiny particles that rely on human or animal cells for their survival, so they cannot last very long outside the body27. They cause illnesses by invading healthy cells and multiplying.
Bacteria are single cell organisms usually found in and on our bodies27. Some bacteria are harmless – and can even be good for us – and some cause infections27.
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle has scientific research on its germ killing activity against germs that can cause sore throats1-3. With a 30-second gargle, POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle kill germs2. Individual response varies*.
For the same reasons, other viral infections like flu should not be treated with antibiotics either6.
If a sore throat persists or is particularly severe, you should see your doctor.
Antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor in situations of bacteria related infections*.
* For further information, please check with your doctor or pharmacist.
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle kills germs that cause sore throats1,2.Research has also shown that the povidone-iodine (PVPI) in POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle has a 30 seconds killing effect against germs through 30 sec gargling34. Individual response varies.
Since most sore throats are caused by germs5, there are steps that you can take to prevent getting an infection:
- Avoid sharing utensils with people who are sick.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap.
- Practice proper hand and throat hygiene by using an antiseptic hand wash and gargle, such as POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle to kill germs and prevent passing on germs within the family or community2.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands as germs can enter your body this way and make you sick.
- Stay away from people who are ill, as germs can spread.88
No, POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle does not stain the teeth. The natural brown colour is due to Povidone-Iodine, the active ingredient of POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle. The product retains the germ killing effect of iodine but unlike iodine, it is generally non-staining3.
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) preparations do not stain the skin, fingernails, hair, or natural fibre either.3 If you accidentally get POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) on natural fibres it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap. For man-made fibres, POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) can usually be washed off with the help of a stain remover.
CAUTION: Immediately remove spills from plastic floors.
Small amount may be swallowed during gargling. If accidentally swallowed in large amounts, consult your local doctor or pharmacist immediately.
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle contains povidone-iodine that kills the germs that cause sore throats1-3, in a 30-second gargle. However, it is impossible to say how quickly you will feel better. Individual response condition varies*.
Some cosmetic mouthwashes are meant for fresh breath while POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle is a medicated formulation for treatment against throat and oral infection10.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not use unless advised by healthcare professional.
Germs that cause sore throats can be passed on via direct contact (e.g. touching something that has the germs on it), airborne transmission (e.g. when someone coughs) and close personal contact (e.g. kissing).43,88
When a loved one suffers from sore throat, flu or a cold, practicing proper throat and oral hygiene like gargling with POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) helps. This lessens the chances of other family members getting it too by killing the germs before they have a chance to act.
The active ingredient in BETADINE®, povidone-iodine, is naturally a golden brown colour. It will not stain your skin, fingernails or hair, although you can see where it’s been applied on the skin3.
If you accidentally get POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) on natural fibres it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap. For man-made fibres, POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) can usually be washed off with the help of a stain remover.
CAUTION: Immediately remove spills from plastic floors.
WOUND CARE
8 Q&AsAntiseptics are used as a treatment to cleanse cuts, scratches, burns, grazes or other minor injuries where the skin is broken, or as a preventive measure before piercing the skin (e.g. an injection). For this very reason, Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) has a wide range of antiseptic formats for your different needs.
If you accidentally get Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) on natural fibers it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap. For man-made fibers, Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) can usually be washed off with the help of a stain remover.
CAUTION: Immediately remove spills from plastic floors.
Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Wound Care is an antiseptic, not an antibiotic. Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Wound Care range contains povidone-iodine that acts on germs that may cause wound infection14. These germs get killed before it has an opportunity to infect the wound. When you use it, you will know it always helps.
Additionally, the use of tap water to cleanse the wound would not be recommended in a country where a constant supply of potable drinking water is not available.32
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Wound Care Range Abridged Product Information
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) WOUND SOLUTION 10%
Regulatory Class: Non-Rx
C: Povidone-iodine
I: Treatment & prevention of infection of minor wounds (cuts & abrasions), ulcers & burns. Pre-op disinfection of skin. Hygienic hand & skin disinfection & surgical hand disinfection.
D: Minor wounds & ulcers Clean the wound area & apply undiluted once daily or bid until wound or ulcer has healed. If necessary, apply a dressing. Pre-op surgical disinfection Apply undiluted to the area & allow to dry. Hand disinfection Apply approx 3 mL undiluted onto the hands, rub into hands & around the fingers, & leave on for 1 min before washing off. Skin disinfection Apply adequate amount to the affected area & allow to dry. Surgical hand disinfection Apply approx 3 mL undiluted onto the hands, rub into hands & around the fingers, & leave on for 5 min before washing off.
CI: If you are allergic to iodine or povidone, if you have an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) or any thyroid disease, if you are on lithium therapy, before and after a specific medical treatment involving the use of radioactive iodine. Not to be used in children under 1 year of age.
SP: Iodine idiosyncrasy. Avoid pooling under the patient & in skin folds during pre-op surgery to avoid skin burn.
AR: Skin irritation, discolouration, redness, swelling, small blisters, itching, or dry skin, tiredness, weakness, confusion, rapid shallow breathing, passing little or no urine, fluid retention and swelling of legs, ankle and feet.
INT: Concomitant use of other externally applied wound healing medicines/preparations. Products containing enzymatic component, alkali, mercury, silver, hydrogen peroxide, tannic acid, octenidine and taurolidine.
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) DRY POWDER SPRAY 2.5%
Regulatory Class: Non-Rx
C: Povidone-iodine
I: Treatment & prevention of infection of minor wounds (cuts & abrasions), ulcers, burns & superficial lesion.
D: Spray evenly onto the wound area from a distance of 15-25 cm for 3 sec. Apply bid until wound has healed. If necessary, cover w/ a dressing.
CI: Hypersensitivity. Hyperthyroidism or any thyroid disease; before & after radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism. Do not use 4 wk prior to radioiodine scintigraphy or radioiodine treatment of thyroid carcinoma. Nodular colloid & endemic goiter, Hashimotos thyroiditis. Patients on lithium therapy. Before & after specific medicinal treatment involving the use of radioactive iodine. Pregnancy & lactation. Not to be used in children under 1 year of age.
SP: Spray in a well-ventilated area. Avoid inhaling or spraying into the eyes; pooling beneath the patient in pre-op prep; solns containing a detergent. False +ve results in tests w/ toluidine or gum guaiac for Hb-determination in stool or urine. Discontinue use if skin irritation, contact dermatitis or hypersensitivity occurs. Do not use if conception is desired; on extensive body areas & over a long period of time (>14 days). Do not heat prior to use. Monitor thyroid function up until 3 mth after treatment. Renal impairment.
AR: Skin irritation, discolouration, redness, swelling, small blisters, itching, or dry skin, tiredness, weakness, confusion, rapid shallow breathing, passing little or no urine, fluid retention and swelling of legs, ankle and feet.
INT: May alter the effect w/ concomitant use of other externally applied wound healing drugs/prep. Products containing enzymatic component, alkali, ASA, bismuth, Hg, silver, hydrogen peroxide, tannic acid, octenidine and taurolidine. May interfere w/ tests on thyroid function.
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) OINTMENT 10%
Regulatory Class: Non-Rx
C: Povidone-iodine
I: Treatment of common skin infections; prevention of infection in minor burns, lacerations, cuts and abrasions; and for infection control during insertion and care of urinary catheters, circumcision, suture removal and dressing changes. POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) ointment may be used for degerming care of stasis ulcers, decubitus ulcers and the umbilical area. It can be used also for degerming during use of intravenous devices in blood transfusions, hyperalimentation, cutdowns, CVP catheterization and in other procedures where degerming is needed.
D: Clean & dry the affected skin. Apply liberally. May be covered w/ a dressing or bandage. May be used as often as required.
CI: Hypersensitivity. Hyperthyroidism or any thyroid diseases. Patients on lithium therapy. Before & after a specific medical treatment involving the use of radioactive iodine.
SP: Avoid pooling beneath the patient in pre-op prep. Prolonged exposure. Discontinue use if instances of skin irritation, contact dermatitis or hypersensitivity occurs. Do not heat prior to use. Do not use on extensive body areas. Patients w/ goiter, thyroid nodules or other non-acute thyroid diseases. Monitor thyroid function. Do not use to prior to or after radioiodines scintigraphy or radioiodine treatment of thyroid carcinoma. False +ve lab results (eg, tests w/ toluidine or gum guaiac for Hb or glucose determination in stool or urine). May interfere w/ thyroid function tests. Renal impairment. Pregnancy & lactation. Childn (newborn & small infants).
AR: Rarely, itchiness, redness, small blisters. Very rarely: acute generalized allergic reactions.
INT: May alter the effect w/ concomitant use of other externally applied wound healing drugs/prep. Products containing enzymatic component, alkali, Hg, silver, hydrogen peroxide, tannic acid & taurolidine. Transient dark discolorations in involved areas in concomitant use w/ octenidine-containing antiseptics.
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) CREAM 5%
Regulatory Class: Non-Rx
C: Povidone-iodine
I: For prevention of infection in burns, lacerations, cuts and abrasions; treatment of common skin infections, and for infection control during circumcision, suture removal and dressing changes. POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) cream may be used for degerming care of stasis ulcers, decubitus ulcers and the umbilical area and in other procedures where degerming is needed.
D: Clean and dry the affected skin. Apply cream liberally. May be covered with a dressing or bandage. POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) cream may be used as often as required. In the treatment of burns, every eight hours; in other treatments, apply once daily generally.
CI: Hypersensitivity. Hyperthyroidism or any thyroid diseases. Patients on lithium therapy. Before & after a specific medical treatment involving the use of radioactive iodine.
SP: Avoid pooling beneath the patient in pre-op prep. Prolonged exposure. Discontinue use if instances of skin irritation, contact dermatitis or hypersensitivity occurs. Do not heat prior to use. Do not use on extensive body areas. Patients w/ goiter, thyroid nodules or other non-acute thyroid diseases. Monitor thyroid function. Do not use to prior to or after radioiodines scintigraphy or radioiodine treatment of thyroid carcinoma. False +ve lab results (eg, tests w/ toluidine or gum guaiac for Hb or glucose determination in stool or urine). May interfere w/ thyroid function tests. Renal impairment. Pregnancy & lactation. Childn (newborn & small infants).
AR: Like all medicines, POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) cream can cause side effects (although not everybody gets them), such as skin irritation, redness, small blisters, itching, mostly at the site where product was applied.
INT: May alter the effect w/ concomitant use of other externally applied wound healing drugs/prep. Products containing enzymatic component, alkali, Hg, silver, hydrogen peroxide, tannic acid & taurolidine. Transient dark discolorations in involved areas in concomitant use w/ octenidine-containing antiseptics.
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) SKIN CLEANSER 7.5%
Regulatory Class: Non-Rx
C: Povidone-iodine
I: For general hygiene & for cleansing & disinfecting the skin, infection control hand hygiene measure for skin cleansing and hand washing during viral infectious disease outbreaks such as hand, foot, and mouth disease, impetigo, MRSA, flu (influenza, avian, swine), SARS-coronavirus, colds (rhinovirus, coronavirus) & ebola, helps stop spread of infections in acne, minor cuts & wounds, helps remove offensive odor of the underarms, feet & body, helps prevent spread of fungal infections eg, tinea pedis (athletes foot or alipunga), tinea versicolor (ringworm or an-an), tinea cruris (jock itch or hadhad). As a surgical scrub; helps relieve skin itching.
D: Pour small amount on palm & dilute w/ a palmful of water. Work into a lather on skin. Rinse thoroughly w/ water. For body odor, use regularly until odor is removed. Not recommended for continuous daily use throughout the year.
CI: Sensitivity to iodine. Thyroid problem. To receive or currently receiving radioactive iodine treatments; using products containing mercury such as thiomersal; children < 1 year.
SP: Iodine idiosyncrasy. Pregnant and breast-feeding patients.
AR: Skin irritation, discolouration, redness, swelling, small blisters, itching, or dry skin, tiredness, weakness, confusion, rapid shallow breathing, passing little or no urine, fluid retention and swelling of legs, ankle and feet.
INT: Products containing hydrogen peroxide, mercury, silver, taurolidine, octenidine or thiomersal.
- Wound Care