Povidone Iodine - Revisited

Povidone Iodine or polyvinyl pyrrolidone-iodine is an iodophor and a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent delivered in many forms including powders, gels, lotions, ointments, sprays and mousses. Compared to other similar compounds Povidone iodine is highly soluble and less toxic making it widely suitable for surgical asepsis and wound dressing. In dentistry it is used for pre surgical skin preparation, pre procedural rinse to reduce bacteremia and microbial load in aerosols, root canal irrigant and intracanal medicament.