Povidone-iodine
Povidone-iodine 5–10% (topical antiseptic)
The brown bottle that guards every Indian first-aid box — for wounds you can see the bottom of.
Educational reference only — not medical advice. *Doses shown are typical adult label doses. Read the pack, and confirm with a doctor or pharmacist — especially for children, pregnancy, the elderly, or any chronic condition.
What it's for
Uses
Why it earns its place
Benefits
- Broad germ kill — bacteria, fungi and viruses on the skin surface
- Ointment form stays put on a bandaged wound
- Decades of first-aid track record; easy to use correctly
The honest column
Side effects
Common — usually settle
- Mild stinging on application
- Temporary brown staining of skin
Stop & see a doctor
- Allergy — hives, swelling, worsening redness: stop and see a doctor
- Large-area or long-term use can affect thyroid function — ask a doctor
Before you take it
Cautions & interactions
- Clean the wound with running water FIRST — antiseptic isn't a substitute for cleaning
- Deep, dirty, gaping or animal-bite wounds need a doctor and possibly a tetanus shot
- Thyroid disorders, pregnancy or breastfeeding — check before regular use
- A wound getting redder, warmer or oozier after 2 days is infected — doctor
On the shelf
Brands in India & where to buy
Prices are indicative MRPs for the listed pack sizes and change often — always verify on the pharmacy listing or pack. Links open marketplace searches; Naked Compound has no sponsorship or affiliate arrangement with any brand listed. Brand names are examples of what's commonly stocked, not endorsements.
When to skip self-medication
Fever beyond 3 days, blood anywhere it shouldn't be, chest pain or breathlessness, severe abdominal pain, a child under 6, pregnancy, or symptoms bouncing back within a week — any of these means see a doctor the same day instead of reaching for this pack.
Read this before you reach for anything
This page is an educational reference, not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a prescription. Doses shown are typical adult label doses for short-term self-care. Children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, the elderly, and anyone with chronic conditions or on regular medication should check with a doctor or pharmacist first. If symptoms are severe, unusual, or match any red flag above, skip the self-medication and see a doctor. Read how we work in our methodology.