Iodosorb (Topical)

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

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

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

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks of taking the medicine against the benefits it may provide. For this medicine, consider the following:

Allergies

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

Pediatric

Topical iodine should not be used on newborn infants as it may lead to skin and thyroid issues.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older adults. Therefore, it may not be clear 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 older adults to younger age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or issues in older people compared to younger adults.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others can be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these 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

Certain medicines should not be taken around meal times or with specific types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines might also cause interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

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

• Animal bites or
• Deep wounds or
• Serious burns—This 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 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.