In English | En español
Questions About Cancer? 1-800-4-CANCER

NCI Drug Dictionary


povidone-iodine solution 
An iodophor solution containing a water-soluble complex of iodine and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) with broad microbicidal activity. Free iodine, slowly liberated from the povoiodine-iodine (PVPI) complex in solution, kills eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells through iodination of lipids and oxidation of cytosplasmic and membrane compounds. This agent exhbits a broad range of microbicidal activity against bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses. Slow release of iodine from the PVPI complex in solution minimizes iodine toxicity towards mammalian cells. Check for active clinical trials or closed clinical trials using this agent. (NCI Thesaurus)
Synonym:iodopovidone solution
US brand name:Betadine Solution