Iodoflex (Topical)

Topical iodine is used to stop 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 issue you are treating with topical iodine gets worse, or if you have ongoing irritation like itching or burning that you didn't have before using this medicine.

This medicine can stain your skin and clothes. You can use alcohol to remove iodine stains from your skin. To remove stains from clothing, wash and rinse them in ammonia mixed with water. Stains on starched linens can be cleaned by washing them in soap and water.

In deciding to use this medicine, you and your doctor need to weigh the risks against the benefits. Consider the following:

Allergies

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

Pediatric

Topical iodine is not recommended for newborn infants because it may lead to skin and thyroid issues.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older adults. Therefore, it may be unclear if they work the same way as they do in younger adults. While there is no specific information on the use of topical iodine in the elderly compared to other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or issues in older adults than it does in younger adults.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while others may be used together even if an interaction might 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 non-prescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken with food or specific types of food due to potential interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical conditions may affect your 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—These conditions may increase the risk of side effects.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they may need 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.