WOUND CARE
FEMININE CARE
THROAT & NOSE CARE
SKIN CARE
FEMININE CARE
8 Q&AsSKIN CARE
10 Q&AsTHROAT & NOSE CARE
10 Q&AsTreat the signs of a sore throat early with an antiseptic gargle or throat spray. The early signs of a sore throat include itchiness, dryness or scratchiness, tickling or irritation, having a hoarse, raspy voice, or feeling like you have a lump in your throat, the need to constantly clear your throat or even difficulty swallowing. You can help prevent sore throat by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing good hand hygiene, and avoiding close contact with people who have sore throats or other respiratory infections.
Keep the Povidone Iodine (BETADINE) Gargle at home and bring the Povidone Iodine (BETADINE) Throat Spray when you're on the go. Both BETADINE® Gargle and Throat Spray contain povidone-iodine so they can both help kills 99.99% of viruses and bacteria in as early as 30 seconds, a triple targeting action on viruses, bacteria and fungi. (Based on lab data)
The gargle and the throat spray help relieve the early signs of a sore throat and are suitable for children 6 years old and older.
BETADINE® Gargle's active ingredient, povidone-iodine (PVP-I), has a rapid, research-backed germ-killing effect within 30 seconds of gargling. That said, killing germs quickly isn't the same as feeling better right away — how fast your symptoms actually ease up varies depending on the individual as well as the underlying cause and severity of the sore throat.
Salt-water gargling is a common home remedy, but it has no effect on viruses — the cause of most sore throats. Povidone-Iodine, on the other hand, is scientifically proven in the lab to kill the germs (both viruses and bacteria) that cause sore throats.
Cosmetic mouthwashes are designed mainly for fresh breath. BETADINE® Gargle is a medicated formulation specifically developed to treat throat and oral infections, not just mask odor.
Look for a medicated formulation — like povidone-iodine — that's proven to target both viruses and bacteria (based on lab data), not just one or the other, and that acts quickly to address the root cause of a sore throat rather than just easing symptoms.
No — BETADINE® Gargle generally doesn't stain teeth, skin, or hair. Its golden-brown color comes from its active ingredient, povidone-iodine, which keeps iodine's germ-killing power without staining. It washes off natural fibers with soap and water; on man-made fibers, use a stain remover, and wipe up spills on plastic flooring right away.
If you swallow a large amount, contact a doctor or pharmacist right away.
Don't use Povidone Iodine (BETADINE®) Gargle if you're pregnant or breastfeeding unless a healthcare professional has specifically told you to.
WOUND CARE
10 Q&AsNo. Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) is an antiseptic, not an antibiotic — it kills germs through multiple ways rather than through a biological mechanism that bacteria can adapt to, which significantly reduces the risk of resistance compared to some antibiotics.
Know the early signs of a sore throat
KEY TAKEAWAYS
A sore throat is a condition characterized by pain and irritation in the throat.1 This condition is common in both adults and children.2
Sore throats are caused by various factors3,4, including viruses, bacteria, allergies, respiratory illnesses, acid reflux, and smoking.
Early signs of sore throat3-7 include difficulty swallowing, dryness and itchiness in the throat, irritation, swelling, a ticklish sensation, and constant throat clearing. Other symptoms from viral infections can also accompany it, such as coughing, a runny nose, hoarseness, and conjunctivitis.
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Throat Care range of products are formulated with Triple Targeted Action to help kill 99.99% of sore throat-causing viruses and bacteria in as early as 30 seconds, based on in-vitro data.8,9
A sore throat is a condition that causes pain and irritation in the throat.1 It is common among both adults and children, representing 2% and 5% of all outpatient primary care visits respectively.2 While most sore throats typically clear within a week3, the condition itself can still be a nuisance to deal with.
WHAT CAUSES SORE THROATS? 3,4
The common causes of sore throats are:
Viruses (most common cause, including cold & flu viruses)
Bacteria (Group A Streptococcus)
Allergies
Upper respiratory tract illnesses
Acid reflux
Smoking (firsthand and secondhand)
Sore throats can be a hassle to deal with and can affect your quality of life. Recognizing the early signs of sore throat is key so you can use products tested to kill the root cause immediately and help prevent the condition from getting worse.
EARLY SIGNS OF A SORE THROAT TO LOOK OUT FOR 3-7
Sore throats may also be a sign of a viral infection, and can be accompanied by the following symptoms3-7
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
ASC I0087P121625B
References:
Mayo Clinic Staff. Sore throat – symptoms & causes [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; updated 2025 Apr 12 [cited 2025 Aug 26]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sore-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20351635
Sykes EA, Wu V, Beyea MM, Simpson MTW, Beyea JA. Pharyngitis: Approach to diagnosis and treatment. Can Fam Physician. 2020 Apr;66(4):251-257. PMID: 32273409; PMCID: PMC7145142.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sore Throat Basics [Internet]. Atlanta (GA): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; updated 2024 Apr 17 [cited 2025 Aug 26]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/sore-throat/about/index.html
Railton D. Sore throat and acid reflux: causes and treatment [Internet]. London (UK): Healthline Media UK Ltd (Medical News Today); updated 2023 Oct 18 [cited 2025 Aug 27]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315066
Healthdirect Australia. Sore throat (pharyngitis) – symptoms, treatments and causes [Internet] Healthdirect Australia; [Last reviewed June 2023; cited 2025 Aug 27]. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sore‑throat
Dresden D. Tickle in throat: Causes, with a cough, and how to get rid of it [Internet]. London (UK): Healthline Media UK Ltd (Medical News Today); updated 2025 Apr 10 [cited 2025 Aug 27]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319802
Higuera V. Sore throat: Causes, symptoms, and when to see a doctor [Internet]. London (UK): Healthline Media UK Ltd (Medical News Today). Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/311449
Povidone-iodine (BETADINE®) Gargle & Mouthwash [Internet]. [cited 2025 Aug 26]. Available from: https://ph.betadine.global/en/ph/product-category/product/cold-and-flu/povidone-iodine-betadine-gargle-mouthwash
Povidone-iodine (BETADINE®) throat spray [Internet]. [cited 2025 Aug 26]. Available from: https://ph.betadine.global/en/ph/product-category/product/cold-and-flu/povidone-iodine-betadine-throat-spray
Image source: Shutterstock
- Cold and Flu
- sore throat
