Povidone

Identification

Brand Names

Clear Eyes Natural Tears, Colirio Ocusan, Minidrops, Refresh Lubricant, Stye

Generic Name

Povidone

DrugBank Accession Number

DB11061

Background

Povidone, also known as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or polyvidone, is a synthetic water-soluble polymer made from the monomer N-vinylpyrrolidone used as a binder in many pharmaceutical tablets and lubricant in eye drops. It is also used in many technical applications with various roles as an adhesive, additive, and emulsifier. When in complex with iodine, Povidone-iodine displays antiseptic properties where the iodine, a bactericidal component, mainly contributes to this effect, and povidone acts as a carrier ¹. Povidone-iodine can be found in over-the-counter topical solutions, ointment, pessaries, liquid soaps and surgical scrubs. The clinical effectiveness of Povidone-iodine on wound healing remains somewhat controversial, as it was demonstrated in a few clinical studies that the application of the compound in wounds was associated with impaired wound healing, reduced wound strength, or infection in open wounds ¹.

The FDA withdrew its approval for the use of all intravenous drug products containing povidone.⁵ Other formulations of povidone continue to be available.

Type

Small Molecule

Groups

Approved, Withdrawn

Synonyms

1-ethenyl-2-pyrrolidinone homopolymer
1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone polymer
Polividone
Povidona
Povidone
Povidone, unspecified
Povidonum

External IDs

E-1201
Ins no.1201
INS-1201

Pharmacology

Indication

When in complex with iodine, indicated for inducing antisepsis for prevention of infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.

Reduce drug development failure rates

Build, train, & validate machine-learning models
with evidence-based and structured datasets.

See how

Build, train, & validate predictive machine-learning models with structured datasets.

See how

Associated Conditions

Dry Eyes

Associated Therapies

Skin disinfection

Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings

Avoid life-threatening adverse drug events

Improve clinical decision support with information on contraindications & blackbox warnings, population restrictions, harmful risks, & more.

Learn more

Avoid life-threatening adverse drug events & improve clinical decision support.

Learn more

Pharmacodynamics

Povidone itself has no microbicidal activity. Povidone-iodine exhibits rapid, potent, broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties ². The clinical effectiveness of povidon-iodine on wound healing remains somewhat controversial; in few clinical studies investigating the effects of povidone-iodine on wound healing, topical administration of the complex was associated with no significant infections, but slower healing and mild to moderate discomfort on application ¹.

Mechanism of action

Povidone-iodine is a water-soluble complex that mediates a bactericidal or virucidal action following the gradual liberation of free iodine from the complex at the application site to react with the pathogen ¹. Please refer to the drug entry for Povidone-iodine for the full mechanism of action of the complex.

Absorption