What is the Difference Between Betadine and Povidone Iodine

The key difference between betadine and povidone iodine is that betadine is an antiseptic substance, whereas povidone iodine is the active ingredient in betadine.

Both betadine and povidone iodine refer to the same chemical compound. But betadine is a brand name from which we can find povidone iodine in the market, while povidone iodine is the active ingredient in this betadine solution.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Betadine 
3. What is Povidone Iodine
4. Betadine vs Povidone Iodine in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Betadine vs Povidone Iodine

What is Betadine?

Betadine is an antiseptic solution that contains a complex of iodine. Betadine solution was introduced in the 1960s, and it has wide use as an iodophor in modern clinical applications. Furthermore, povidone-iodine (PVP-iodine) is the active substance in Betadine; it is a complex of polyvinylpyrrolidone (povidone or PVP).

Figure 01: Use of Betadine on Wounds

In addition to PVP, molecular iodine (9.0% to 12.0%) is also present in Betadine. i.e., 100 ml of Betadine solution contains about 10 g of Povidone-iodine. It is also now available in different formulas such as solution, cream, ointment, spray, and wound dressings.

What is Povidone Iodine?

Povidone iodine is an antiseptic solution sold under the brand names betadine, Wokadine, Pyodine, etc. There are some other chemical names as well, including polyvidone iodine and iodopovidine. This solution is useful for the disinfection of skin or a wounded area. We can use it to disinfect our hands when we are involved in the healthcare sector. There are three major forms of this compound: as a solution, a cream or as a powder.

Figure 02: Structure of PVP

There can be some side effects of using povidone iodine, which include irritation and swelling of the skin. When we are using it on large wounds, it can cause kidney problems, high blood sodium, and metabolic acidosis. When povidone iodine is sold under the brand name betadine, it contains a complex of povidone, hydrogen iodide, and elemental iodine.

Povidone iodine is a topical treatment that can prevent wound infections. It is the first aid for minor cuts, grazes, burns, abrasions, etc. This solution provides a long-lasting antiseptic effect compared to the tincture of iodine solution. This is because of the slow absorption of povidone iodine via soft tissues. Moreover, we can use a buffered solution of povidone iodine to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis in the eyes. In pleurodesis, povidone iodine is equally effective and safe as talc.

The name povidone iodine comes from its combination of povidone with triiodide. This substance is soluble in mildly warm and sold water. In addition, we can dissolve it in ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, glycerol, etc.

What is the Difference Between Betadine and Povidone Iodine?

Both betadine and povidone iodine refer to the same chemical compound, but betadine is a brand name from which we can find this chemical compound in the market, while povidone iodine is the active ingredient. The key difference between betadine and povidone iodine is that betadine is an antiseptic substance, whereas povidone iodine is the active ingredient in betadine.

The following table summarizes the difference between betadine and povidone iodine.

Summary – Betadine vs Povidone Iodine

Both betadine and povidone iodine refer to the same chemical compound, but betadine is a brand name from which we can find this chemical compound in the market, while povidone iodine is the active ingredient. The key difference between betadine and povidone iodine is that betadine is an antiseptic substance, whereas povidone iodine is the active ingredient in betadine.

Reference:

1. “Povidone-Iodine.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Database, U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Gauze in medical useage – wound” By User:Mattes – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “PVP-I-CNT” By Trevor Simmons – I Dr. Trevor J. Simmons created this work entirely by myself, with help from Phil Shmella (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

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