Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), commonly known as povidone, is a synthetic water-soluble polymer derived from N-vinylpyrrolidone (PubChem CID 6334). It is extensively used in the pharmaceutical industry as an excipient, acting as a binder, stabilizer, and film-forming agent in various drug delivery systems (FDA Inactive Ingredient Database). A primary application of PVP is its use as a carrier matrix to enhance the dissolution and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs through the formation of solid dispersions (ScienceDirect). It is also the essential component of povidone-iodine, where it complexes with iodine to facilitate controlled release for antiseptic purposes (PubMed). Although PVP is generally recognized as safe and biologically inert, it is not a therapeutic target such as a receptor or enzyme. High molecular weight versions of the polymer can accumulate in the reticuloendothelial system if administered via injection, a condition known as thesaurosis (ScienceDirect). Rare instances of hypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions have been reported in the literature (PubMed).

Other names

PovidonePolyvidonePNVP1-ethenylpyrrolidin-2-one homopolymerKollidonPlasdonePoly(1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone)

Polyvinylpyrrolidone functions as a physical carrier and stabilizer rather than through a biological mechanism. It enhances the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs by forming amorphous solid dispersions and acts as a binder in tablet formulations (PubChem CID 6334). In povidone-iodine, it serves as a carrier that slowly releases elemental iodine to provide sustained antiseptic activity (ScienceDirect).