Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity
· Povidone-iodine kills viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa on contact.
· Effective against respiratory viruses such as:
· SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
· Influenza
· Common cold (Rhinovirus, Adenovirus)
· Outperforms common agents like chlorhexidineor hydrogen peroxide in viral inactivation.
· In vitro studies show >99.99% viral inactivation within 15–60 seconds.
· Ideal for pre-exposure (protection) and post-exposure (early treatment) use.
· Especially effective when used in:
o Crowded places (e.g., planes, events)
o Around sick individuals
o Before and after potential exposures
Minimal Resistance Risk
· Povidone Iodine works by disrupting proteins and nucleic acids in pathogens—not by targeting a specific receptor or enzyme.
· This non-specific mechanism means microbes can't easily develop resistance, unlike with antibiotics or antivirals.
Safe for Regular Use
· Used in hospitals for decades for:
o Surgical scrubs
o Skin disinfection
o Wound irrigation
· Povidone Iodine is used in nasal/oral sprays (0.5–1.25%) are safe and non-toxic to mucosa, with:
o No mucosal damage at therapeutic concentrations
o No systemic iodine toxicity when used appropriately
Dual Action: Nasal and Oral
· Most infections enter through nose and throat. Dual-site application:
o Reduces viral load in both portals of entry
o Prevents pathogen migration into lungs or systemic circulation
o Shortens duration of illness if used early
Superior to Multi-Ingredient Formulas (e.g., CofixRx)
· Products like CofixRx contain:
o Inactive or unstable combinations (e.g., vitamin D3, essential oils)
o Formulations that can degrade iodine or reduce its stability
· Povidone Iodine sprays like ImmuneMist are:
o Chemically stable
o Clinically focused on infection control
o Free from ingredients that may irritate, degrade, or interfere with iodine efficacy
Clinically Tested, Not Just Theoretically Promising
· Clinical studies show:
o Reduced viral infectivity and transmission
o Shortened illness duration
o Fewer hospitalizations when used early in high-risk settings