Povidone iodine ophthalmic

Povidone iodine ophthalmic (for the eyes) helps prevent infection during surgery or other medical procedures done on or around your eyes.

Povidone iodine ophthalmic may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Povidone iodine ophthalmic is put on your eyelids, eyebrows, and the skin around your eyes. A healthcare professional will apply povidone iodine ophthalmic while you are being prepared for your surgery or medical procedure.

For a short time after surgery, this medicine may leave a slight yellow stain on the whites of your eyes or on the skin where this medicine was applied. Ask your healthcare provider if you have concerns about iodine staining in your eyes.

Povidone iodine stains can usually be removed from the skin with soap and water. Ask your healthcare provider for instructions about how to remove the stains.

A healthcare professional will put this medicine on your eyes while you are getting ready for eye surgery or a medical procedure.

You should not use povidone iodine ophthalmic if you are allergic to iodine.

Inform your doctor if you have ever had a thyroid disorder.

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects of povidone iodine ophthalmic may include:

• mild irritation at the site where the medicine was applied;
• temporary yellow discoloration of the whites of your eyes; or
• temporary yellow discoloration on the skin where povidone iodine ophthalmic was applied.

Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may experience none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Povidone iodine ophthalmic is used as a single dose in a clinical setting and does not have a daily dosing schedule.

Since povidone iodine ophthalmic is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, it is unlikely that an overdose will happen.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any limits on food, drinks, or activities.

Povidone iodine ophthalmic is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Inform all your healthcare providers about all the medicines you are using, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.