betadine

What is Betadine?

From the FDA label:Povidone-Iodine is a broad-spectrum microbicide with the chemical formulas: 2-pyrrolidinone, 1- ethenyl-, homopolymer, compound with iodine; 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone polymer, compound with iodine. The structural formula is as follows: BETADINE* 5% Sterile Ophthalmic Prep Solution contains 5% povidone-iodine (0.5% available iodine) as a sterile dark brown solution stabilized by glycerin. Inactive Ingredients: purified water, citric acid, glycerin, nonoxynol-9, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, and dibasic sodium phosphate.

How to use

Betadine is sold in more than one form (Solution and Spray/Inhaler), and each is dosed differently. The instructions below come from the FDA label for application NDA018634 — follow the label that came with the product you were actually prescribed.

Side effects

Warnings

Who should not take Betadine

Frequently asked questions

What does Betadine treat?

Betadine (Povidone-Iodine) may be used to treat burns, leg ulcer, radiation injuries, staphylococcal infections, surgical wound infection, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.

How much does Betadine cost?

Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $0.02 per ml, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins.

Is there a coupon or discount for Betadine?

pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Betadine. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.

Who makes Betadine?

Betadine is marketed by Alcon. You can see Alcon's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.

Is Betadine a brand-name or generic drug?

Betadine is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Povidone-Iodine.

Is Betadine available over the counter?

No. Betadine is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.

What forms does Betadine come in?

Betadine is currently marketed as solution and spray/inhaler, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.

Is Betadine FDA-registered?

Betadine is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA018634. You can verify this on its official FDA label.

Is Betadine safe?

There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Betadine. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.

What are the side effects of Betadine?

Betadine's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: Local sensitivity has been exhibited by some individuals to povidone-iodine ophthalmic solution. Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.