Povidone-iodine is available in various types of pharmaceutical formulations for topical use, such as: skin solutions, skin gels and sprays, impregnated gauze, dermatological ointment, mouthwash, vaginal solutions and tablets, eye drops (eye drops).
Medicines for ocular use containing povidone iodine can be dispensed in pharmacies, but only on presentation of a non-repeatable medical prescription (RNR). Mouthwash, products for cutaneous use and vaginal use available in pharmacies, on the other hand, are over-the-counter (OTC) or non-prescription drugs (SOP); therefore, they can be freely purchased without a doctor's prescription and at the total expense of the citizen (class C drugs). However, some povidone-containing medicines for cutaneous use are for hospital use only; therefore, such products are not salable to the public.
