More than 85% of sore throats are caused by viruses, with bacteria as the second most common cause. Both types spread the same way: direct surface, droplet transmission (coughing or sneezing), and close personal contact.

Treat 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.