The Science Behind Germidine

Povidone-Iodine (Germidine) is an iodophor solution containing a water- soluble complex of Iodine and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) with broad microbicidal activity. Free Iodine, slowly liberated from the polyvinylpyrrolidone iodine (PVPI) complex in solution, kills eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells through iodination of lipids and oxidation of cytoplasmic and membrane compounds. This agent exhibits a broad range of microbicidal activity against bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses. Slow release of Iodine from the PVPI complex in solution minimizes Iodine toxicity towards mammalian cells.

Povidone-Iodine (Germidine) is a broad spectrum antiseptic for topical application in the treatment and prevention of wound infection. It may be used in first aid for minor cuts, grazes, burns, abrasions and blisters. Povidone-Iodine (Germidine) exhibits longer lasting antiseptic effects than tincture of Iodine, due to its slow absorption via soft tissue, making it the choice for longer surgeries.

Consequently, Povidone-Iodine (Germidine) has found broad application in medicine as a surgical scrub; for pre- and post-operative skin cleansing; for the treatment and prevention of infections in wounds, ulcers, cuts and burns; for the treatment of infections in decubitus ulcers and stasis ulcers; in gynecology for vaginitis associated with candidal, trichomonal or mixed infections. For these purposes PVPI has been formulated at concentrations of 7.5–10.0% in solution, spray, surgical scrub, ointment, and swab dosage forms.

Also Povidone-Iodine (Germidine) is excellent against bacterial and fungal infections in the oral cavity, which prevent or treat bacterial infections after surgical interventions. By this way the bacterial super infections of exulcerant oral mucosal diseases avoidable. The oral and oropharyngeal cavities act as reservoirs for a broad variety of potentially pathogenic micro‐organisms. This indicates a need for antiseptic agents with broad‐spectrum activity, as well as oral formulations that ensure whole oral and oropharyngeal antiseptic coverage.

Povidone-Iodine (Germidine) is considered to have the broadest spectrum of antimicrobial action compared with other common antiseptics such as chlorhexidine, octenidine, polyhexanide and hexetidine showing efficacy against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, bacteria spores, fungi, protozoa and several viruses .

Furthermore, there are evidences that PVPI is able to restore the natural microbial flora following bacterial infection, as observed in the setting of bacterial vaginosis.