Betadine Cream/Ointment Special Precautions

In pre-operative preparation, avoid pooling beneath the patient. Prolonged exposure to wet solution may cause irritation or rarely, severe skin reactions. Chemical burns of skin due to pooling may occur. In instances of skin irritation, contact dermatitis or hypersensitivity, discontinue use.
Do not heat POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE) prior to use.
Avoid getting POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE) in the eyes. Avoid solutions containing a detergent if treating open wounds with povidone-iodine.
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE) is intended FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Not for use on extensive body areas and should not be used over a long period of time unless strictly indicated.
Patients with goiter, thyroid nodules or other non-acute thyroid diseases are at risk of developing thyroid hyperfunction (hyperthyroidism) from the administration of large amounts of iodine. In this patient population, povidone-iodine should not be applied for an extended period of time and to large areas of the skin unless strictly indicated. Even after the end of the treatment one should look for the early symptoms of possible hyperthyroidism and if necessary the thyroid function should be monitored.
It should not be used prior to or after radioiodine scintigraphy or radioiodine treatment of thyroid carcinoma.
Newborns and small infants are at increased risk of developing hypothyroidism from the administration of large amounts of iodine. Because of the permeable nature of the skin and their increased sensitivity to iodine, the use of povidone-iodine should be kept to the absolute minimum in newborns and small infants. A check of their thyroid function (e.g. T4 levels and TSH levels) may be necessary.
Avoid use in patients with renal impairment.