povidone-iodine + normal saline

Povidone-iodine + normal saline is a combination of two agents commonly used in wound care and surgical settings. Povidone-iodine is a broad-spectrum topical antiseptic that acts by releasing free iodine, which denatures proteins and disrupts microbial cell walls, leading to the death of bacteria, viruses, fungi, spores, and protozoa[1][2][5]. Normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride solution) is an isotonic solution used for wound irrigation to mechanically remove debris and dilute contaminants without cytotoxic effects. The combination may be used sequentially or as a diluted mixture for wound irrigation or cleansing prior to procedures such as debridement or closure[3][6]. This approach aims to combine the antimicrobial action of povidone-iodine with the gentle mechanical cleansing properties of saline. However, evidence on its superiority over either agent alone remains mixed; some studies suggest that while povidone-iodine reduces bacterial load more than saline alone in contaminated wounds[3], others highlight potential cytotoxicity concerns with iodine-based solutions compared to plain saline[6].

Other names

povidone iodine + sodium chloridePVP-I + NaClpovidone-iodine and normal saline