Povidone Iodine

Uses

Povidone Iodine is used as a treatment to prevent infections.

How it Works

Povidone Iodine is known as an antiseptic. Povidone iodine liberates iodine in contact with the skin causing antiseptic action by killing bacteria.

Common Side effects

Some of the potential side effects of Povidone Iodine can include the symptoms below;

Skin discolouration,
Increased level of thyroid hormones,
Decreased level of thyroid hormones in neonates,
Deep tissue toxicity,
Increased sodium level in blood,
Renal impairment,
Metabolic acidosis,
Mucous membrane toxicity,
Superficial keratitis

Polyvinyl Alcohol

Uses

Polyvinyl Alcohol is used in the treatment of dry eye disease.

How it Works

Polyvinyl alcohol is known as a non-ionic surfactant. Polyvinyl alcohol is used in eye preparations. Polyvinyl alcohol is used to increase the viscosity and thereby prolonging contact time of the active ingredient with the eye. Polyvinyl alcohol is often found in artificial tears preparations for dry eye and in contact lens solutions.

Common Side effects

Patients who take Polyvinyl Alcohol may suffer from such side effects;

Blurred vision,
Burning sensation in eye,
Stinging sensation

Benzalkonium chloride

Uses

Benzalkonium Chloride is used as a common preservative in medicinal products such as eyedrops, Ear drops, Nasal drops or sprays, Urethral irrigation and also Antiseptics.

How it Works

Benzalkonium chloride works by killing microbes by breaking up the cell membrane which reduces the cell permeability thus killing the microbial cells and allowing preservation.

Common Side effects

Patients who take Benzalkonium chloride may suffer from such side effects;

Paralysis of respiratory muscle,
Convulsion,
Cyanosis,
Death,
Shortness of breath,
Muscle weakness,
Allergic contact dermatitis,
Apprehension,
Collapse,
Restlessness,
Vomiting