The Basics
What is Povidone-Iodine?
antiseptic used for skin disinfection before and after surgery and in first aid
Brand names for Povidone-Iodine
Betadine, Wokadine, Pyodine
How Povidone-Iodine is classified
Anti-Infective Agents – Local, Antibacterial Agents, Iodophors
Povidone-Iodine During Pregnancy
Povidone-Iodine pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Povidone-Iodine while pregnant
N/A
Taking Povidone-Iodine While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Povidone-Iodine?
The use of povidone-iodine in the mother near term and during breastfeeding increases breastmilk iodine levels and can cause transient hypothyroidism in breastfed infants, especially in geographic areas that are iodine deficient. Maternal exposure to povidone-iodine near term can sometimes interfere with thyroid studies done as a part of newborn screening tests. Although iodine from povidone-iodine is minimally absorbed through intact adult skin, exposure of mothers who are or will be breastfeeding to povidone-iodine should be minimized by using lower concentrations of povidone-iodine, applying it to the smallest possible surface areas of the body, shortening contact time, and avoiding repeated applications. Iodine absorption can be extensive with vaginal use; avoid douching with povidone iodine or use of iodine-containing tampons during breastfeeding.
Maternal / infant drug levels
The use of povidone-iodine in the mother near term and during breastfeeding increases breastmilk iodine levels and can cause transient hypothyroidism in breastfed infants, especially in geographic areas that are iodine deficient. Maternal exposure to povidone-iodine near term can sometimes interfere with thyroid studies done as a part of newborn screening tests. Although iodine from povidone-iodine is minimally absorbed through intact adult skin, exposure of mothers who are or will be breastfeeding to povidone-iodine should be minimized by using lower concentrations of povidone-iodine, applying it to the smallest possible surface areas of the body, shortening contact time, and avoiding repeated applications. Iodine absorption can be extensive with vaginal use; avoid douching with povidone iodine or use of iodine-containing tampons during breastfeeding.
Possible effects of Povidone-Iodine on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Povidone-Iodine
Chlorhexidine, Benzalkonium Chloride.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Chanoine JP, Bourdoux P et al. Iodinated skin disinfectants in mothers at delivery and impairment of thyroid function in their breastfed infants. In, Medeiros-Neto G, Gaitan E, eds. Frontiers in thyroidology, vol 2. New York: Plenum Press. 1986;1055-60.
2. Arena Ansotegui J, Emparanza Knorr JI et al. [Iodine overload in newborn infants caused by the use of PVP-iodine for perineal preparation of the mother in vaginal delivery]. An Esp Pediatr. 1989;30:23-6. PMID: 2648916
3. Koga Y, Sano H, Kikukawa Y et al. Affect on neonatal thyroid function of povidone-iodine used on mothers during perinatal period. J Obstet Gynaecol. 1995;21:581-5. PMID: 8640469
4. Postellon DC, Aronow R. Iodine in mother’s milk. JAMA. 1982;247:463. Letter. PMID: 7054546
5. Delange F, Chanoine JPet al. Topical iodine, breastfeeding, and neonatal hypothyroidism. Arch Dis Child. 1988;63:106-7. Letter. PMID: 3348642
6. Danziger Y, Pertzelan A, Mimouni M. Transient congenital hypothyroidism after topical iodine in pregnancy and lactation. Arch Dis Child. 1987;63:295-6. PMID: 3566323
7. Chanoine JP, Boulvain M et al. Increased recall rate at screening for congenital hypothyroidism in breast fed infants born to iodine overloaded mothers. Arch Dis Child. 1988;63:1207-10. PMID: 3196047
8. Chanoine JP, Pardou A et al. Withdrawal of iodinated disinfectants at delivery decreases the recall rate at neonatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism. Arch Dis Child. 1988;63:1297-8. Letter. PMID: 3196066
9. Rakover Y, Adar H. [Thyroid function disturbances in an infant following maternal topical use of Polydine]. Harefuah. 1989;116:527-9. PMID: 2792927
10. Casteels K, Punt S, Bramswig J. Transient neonatal hypothyroidism during breastfeeding after post-natal maternal topical iodine treatment. Eur J Pediatr. 2000;159:716-7. PMID: 11014479
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
