Clinical medicine profile
Povidone iodine/Metronidazole (topical)
Antiseptic [EPC]
- Route
- ORAL / IV / TOPICAL / VAGINAL
- Schedule
- POM
- ATC
- Not assigned
- PPB status
- registered
Safety essentials
The information most likely to change a prescribing or dispensing decision.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to nitroimidazoles.
- First trimester use traditionally avoided unless essential (practice evolving — follow current obstetric guidance).
- Disulfiram within 2 weeks.
Precautions
- Avoid alcohol during and for 24–72 h after (disulfiram-like reaction).
- Neurologic toxicity with prolonged/high dose (neuropathy, seizures).
- Metallic taste common.
- Dark urine possible.
Dosing matrix
Population and organ-function guidance, shown together for faster comparison.
Directions clean the affected area spray a small amount of the product on the area 1 to 3 times daily may be covered with a sterile bandage if bandaged, let dry first
See label paediatric section if present; otherwise use paediatric formulary — do not extrapolate adult doses.
Metabolites accumulate in renal failure; review dosing in ESRD.
- CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.
Hepatic metabolism — reduce dose in severe liver disease.
Use, effects & interactions
Indications
- Uses First aid to help prevent infection in minor cuts scrapes burns Clinical selection for Povidone iodine/Metronidazole (topical) should follow culture results where relevant, Kenya STG/EML recommendations, and the current product SmPC.
- Class context: Antiseptic [EPC].
- Confirm site-specific dose, duration and monitoring before prescribing.
Adverse effects
- [From component Metronidazole] GI discomfort, anorexia, metallic taste, dry mouth, headache, skin rash, vertigo, depression, insomnia, drowsiness, urethral discomfort, darkened urine, transient fall in BP, temporary leucopenia, bone marrow depression, transient epileptic seizure, furred tongue.
Drug interactions
Open multi-drug checker ↗- Cornerstone for anaerobic coverage and protozoa (giardia, amoeba, trichomonas).
- Combine with other agents for mixed aerobic–anaerobic infections as indicated.
- Warn every patient about alcohol.
Mechanism & disposition
Combination product.
Read complete mechanism
Combination product. Component mechanism (Metronidazole): Metronidazole, ornidazole and other imidazoles are selective for anaerobic bacteria due to their ability to intracellularly reduce imidazole which covalently binds to DNA, disrupt its helical structure, inhibiting bacterial nucleic acid synthesis
1–2 hours
8–24 hours
ORAL / IV / TOPICAL / VAGINAL
including abscesses and CSF. Hepatic
Pregnancy, lactation & diet
Widely used in later pregnancy for BV/trichomoniasis in many protocols; avoid unnecessary first-trimester exposure — follow current guidance.
Single-dose regimens often compatible with pumping/timing advice; prolonged high dose — review.
Brands & loaded prices
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | Observed price |
|---|---|---|---|
| No reviewed brand listings are linked yet. | |||
Sources & review state
Decision support only. Confirm patient-specific decisions against the current product SmPC, Kenya STG/EML, and professional judgement.