Iodex (Topical)

Topical iodine is used to prevent and treat infections that may happen in minor scrapes and cuts. It works by killing bacteria that can cause infections.

Check with your doctor if the skin problem you are treating with topical iodine gets worse, or if you experience ongoing irritation like itching or burning that you did not have before using this medicine.

This medicine can stain your skin and clothing. Alcohol can be used to remove iodine stains from the skin. To remove stains from clothing, wash and rinse them in ammonia mixed with water. For stains on starched linens, wash them with soap and water.

In deciding to use a medicine, you need to consider the risks and benefits. This is a decision to make with your doctor. For this medicine, consider the following:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know if you have any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Topical iodine is not recommended for newborn infants because it may cause skin and thyroid problems.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older adults. Therefore, it may not be known if they work the same way as they do in younger adults. While there is no specific information comparing the use of topical iodine in elderly patients with younger patients, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older adults than in younger adults.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others may be used together even if an interaction could happen. In such cases, your doctor may adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken around meal times or with certain foods due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Animal bites or
• Deep wounds or
• Serious burns—The chance of side effects may be increased.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine can cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they might require medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

• Blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of skin

Symptoms of overdose (when swallowed)

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• diarrhea
• fever
• nausea
• not being able to pass urine
• thirst, severe
• vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Aplicare One Tincture Of Iodine
• Iodex
• Iodoflex
• Iodosorb

Available Dosage Forms:

• Tincture

Therapeutic Class: Antibacterial

Use this medicine only as directed.

This medicine is for external use only. Do not swallow it.

Keep this medicine away from the eyes because it may cause irritation. If you should accidentally get some in your eyes, wash it away with water immediately.

Do not use topical iodine on deep, puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

Do not cover the wound to which you have applied topical iodine with a tight dressing or bandage since this may increase the chance of side effects.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For topical dosage form (tincture): For minor bacterial skin infections: Adults and children 1 month of age and over—Use when necessary, according to the directions on the label or your doctor's instructions. Do not use for more than ten days. Infants and children under 1 month of age—Use is not recommended.

To help clear up your infection completely, it is very important that you keep using topical iodine for the full time of treatment. Do not miss any doses.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.