povidone

Povidone is a synthetic water-soluble polymer made from the monomer N-vinylpyrrolidone. It is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry as an excipient—specifically as a binder in tablets and capsules and as a vehicle for dispersing and suspending drugs. In its pure form it appears as a white to off-white hygroscopic powder that dissolves readily in water. Povidone itself is pharmacologically inactive but serves important roles due to its biological inertness and ability to bind or form complexes with other substances. It is also used in eye drops (as an ocular lubricant), contact lens solutions (as a wetting agent), cosmetics (such as hair sprays and gels), toothpaste (as a stain remover/whitener), and various technical applications[2][6][8]. When complexed with iodine (forming povidone-iodine), it acts as an antiseptic; however on its own povidone does not have antimicrobial activity.

Brand names

Clear Eyes Natural TearsColirio OcusanMinidropsRefresh LubricantStye

Other names

1-ethenyl-2-pyrrolidinone homopolymer1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone polymerPolividonePovidonaPovidonum