cadexomer iodine

Cadexomer iodine is a topical antiseptic and wound care agent composed of microbeads of cadexomer starch containing 0.9% iodine by weight[5][8]. It is primarily used to clean and promote healing in wet ulcers, chronic wounds, pressure sores, diabetic ulcers, venous leg ulcers, minor burns, cuts, scrapes, and infected surgical or traumatic wounds[1][3][7]. The drug works through a dual mechanism of action: - The hydrophilic beads absorb exudate (wound fluid), pus, slough (dead tissue), and debris from the wound bed[1][8]. - As the beads swell with absorbed fluid, they gradually release iodine into the wound environment. This sustained release provides continuous broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria (including MRSA), fungi, viruses, protozoa, and spores[5][6][8]. This combination both cleanses the wound physically and reduces microbial bioburden chemically. Cadexomer iodine also modulates local pH via ion exchange mechanisms in its matrix[6], which may further support healing. Developed in Sweden by Perstorp AB in the early 1980s under the brand name Iodosorb[5], it has been shown to accelerate epidermal regeneration and epithelialization compared to other iodophors.

Brand names

Iodosorb