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BETADINE® Health Answers

Expert answers to your most common health and hygiene questions — all in one place. Find trusted information on wound care, sore throat treatment, and feminine hygiene.

COLD & FLU

22 Q&As
Sore throats are caused by viruses and bacteria.

These viruses and bacteria can be passed on via direct contact (e.g. touch an object that has the virus on it), airborne transmission (e.g. when someone coughs or sneezes) and close personal contact (e.g. kissing) 43.

A sore throat can be caused by different types of germs. Therefore, it is good to use a preparation that target different types and classes of germs.
The moment you feel an itch in your throat, it is always good to use an antiseptic gargle before the situation becomes more serious.

Viruses are tiny particles that rely on human or animal cells for their survival, so they cannot last very long outside the body27. They cause illnesses by invading healthy cells and multiplying.

Bacteria are single cell organisms usually found in and on our bodies27. Some bacteria are harmless – and can even be good for us – and some cause infections27.

Salt-water gargle is considered a home remedy which contains salt only.

Povidone Iodine has scientific research on its germ killing activity against germs that can cause sore throats1-3. With a 30-second gargle, BETADINE® Gargle kill germs2. Individual response varies*.
Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria. Because majority of sore throats are caused by a virus, antibiotics would not work for such cases. Most health authorities advise against the over-use of antibiotics so that resistance doesn’t become a big problem.6


For the same reasons, other viral infections like flu should not be treated with antibiotics either6.

If a sore throat persists or is particularly severe, you should see your doctor.
Antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor in situations of bacteria related infections*.

* For further information, please check with your doctor or pharmacist.

BETADINE® Gargle kills germs that cause sore throats1,2.Research has also shown that the povidone-iodine (PVPI) in BETADINE® Gargle has a 30 sec killing time based on in vitro study34. Individual response varies.

Since most sore throats are caused by germs5, there are steps that you can take to prevent getting an infection:

  • Avoid sharing utensils with people who are sick.
  • Wash your hands regularly with soap.
  • Practice proper hand and throat hygiene by using an antiseptic hand wash and gargle, such as BETADINE® Gargle to kill germs and prevent passing on germs within the family or community2.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands as germs can enter your body this way and make you sick.
  • Stay away from people who are ill, as germs can spread.

No, BETADINE® Gargle does not stain the teeth. The natural brown colour is due to povidone-iodine, the active ingredient of BETADINE® Gargle. The product retains the germ killing effect of iodine but unlike iodine, it is generally non-staining3.

BETADINE® Gargle preparations do not stain the skin, fingernails, hair, or natural fibre either3.

CAUTION: Immediately remove spills from plastic floors.

Small amount may be swallowed during gargling. If accidentally swallowed in large amounts, consult your local doctor or pharmacist immediately.

BETADINE® Gargle contains povidone-iodine that kills the germs that cause sore throats1-3, in a 30-second gargle. However, it is impossible to say how quickly you will feel better. Individual response condition varies*.

Some cosmetic mouthwashes are meant for fresh breath while BETADINE® Gargle provides soothing relief of minor irritation of the mouth and throat.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not use unless advised by healthcare professional.

Germs that cause sore throats can be passed on via direct contact (e.g. touching something that has the germs on it), airborne transmission (e.g. when someone coughs) and close personal contact (e.g. kissing).

When a loved one suffers from sore throat, flu or a cold, practicing proper throat and oral hygiene like gargling with BETADINE® helps. This lessens the chances of other family members getting it too by killing the germs before they have a chance to act.

 

The active ingredient in BETADINE® Gargle, povidone-iodine, is naturally a golden brown colour. It will not stain your skin, fingernails or hair, although you can see where it’s been applied on the skin3.

If you accidentally get BETADINE® Gargle on natural fibres it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap.

CAUTION: Immediately remove spills from plastic floors.
BETADINE™ COLD DEFENCE is an innovative treatment for early intervention and treatment of common cold and flu-like illness.
BETADINE™ COLD DEFENCE works by an antiviral effect. It traps and eliminates viruses, thereby have effects on symptom relief. Our studies have looked at total symptoms and we have demonstrated that BETADINE™ COLD DEFENCE will reduce the total symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, etc. when given as an early intervention for treatment of common cold and flu-like illness.
The recommendation is for up to 7 days.

The clinical trials have shown that BETADINE™ COLD DEFENCE is well-tolerated, with no nasal irritation, smell or taste. One of the key things is that the iota-carrageenan in the spray is not absorbed by the body, as it works through physical means, not medicinal pathways. It is a medical device.
Carrageenan is commonly found in food products and is generally recognised as safe. You have to remember there are three different types of carrageenan: iota, kappa and lambda. The BETADINE™ COLD DEFENCE spray only contains one type of carrageenan, which is the iota-carrageenan, and the iota-carrageenan is generally well tolerated.
You can continue to use the saline spray to remove crusting and wash the nose. But you should always use the BETADINE™ COLD DEFENCE after the saline spray, otherwise you are going to wash out the Cold Defence and reduce its efficacy. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have.
The concentration of BETADINE™ Cold Defence for adult and paediatric is 1.2 mg/ml. Whilst the concentration is the same for both adults and kids, the spray mechanism is designed to deliver a smaller volume for kids noses.
The spray comes in two formulations: the adult spray and the kid spray. The adult spray is 1 spray into each nostril 3 times per day. And for the kid spray, which delivers a smaller dose, it is 2 to 3 sprays into each nostril 3 times per day.
The antiviral effect in vivo, in human beings, the duration has not been measured, but we do k now that when BETADINE™ COLD DEFENCE is administered 3 times per days. It is effective in reducing severity of symptoms.

FEMININE CARE

8 Q&As
Regular soap, especially the scented soap and gels, can affect the healthy balance of bacteria and pH levels in your intimate area. 60,61,62

"Flora” is the term used to describe the microorganisms that live on or in our bodies. Some flora actually has a positive effect on our health, while others can multiply to become harmful. In the vagina, the normal flora actually helps prevent infections. The normal flora that live in our vaginal area is called lactobacilli. It protects women against infections in the feminine intimate area and keeps the normal vaginal flora intact. 

Sometimes, the vaginal flora becomes unbalanced, making it more likely for you to feel discomfort in your intimate area.

For daily use:

Both BETADINE® Feminine Wash foam and liquid are to be used every day to cleanse and support your vagina's natural pH balance for natural protection.

Directions:
Dispense BETADINE® Feminine Wash foam or liquid onto your moist hands. Apply on your intimate area, then rinse thoroughly.

For feminine issues & discomfort:

BETADINE® Feminine Wash (contains povidone iodine 7.5% w/v) is an antiseptic feminine wash that protects you from common germs that cause genital discomfort. It also acts as a genital wash for cuts, and for protection after sexual intercourse.

Directions:
Please refer to the each product's direction to use.

Do:
Identify the cause – suspect infection by looking out for vaginal symptoms such as discharge with abnormal colour or amount.
Check for foreign objects like tampons or condoms after intimate sessions.
Wear cotton undergarments to encourage airflow and allow your vaginal area to breathe.
 
Don’t:
Use fragrant body washes and soaps as it can disrupt the pH balance of your vagina.

 
A vaginal infection (your doctor may call it bacteria vaginitis, yeast vaginitis, trichomoniasis vaginitis) is an infection that results in minor inflammation and other symptoms in and around your vagina. It may cause redness, swelling, irritation or even pain, abnormal vaginal discharge and odour. In some cases, when left untreated, this can result in serious complications.
Vaginal infections are very common – it’s estimated that 75% of women have had at least one at some point in their lives. They occur when infectious bacteria, viruses or fungi grow in or around the vagina.

Bacterial infections are the most common cause, accounting for up to 50% of the cases. They happen when there are changes in the types and amounts of bacteria normally found in the vagina.

Fungal infections like candida albicans are probably the next most common cause. Fungal infections are often called vaginal yeast infections.

Other possible causes of vaginal irritation include:

Tight nylon underwear that doesn’t provide good ventilation, resulting in perspiration and lack of air circulation
The use of contraceptives
The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for the treatment of other infections
The use of vaginal deodorants
The lack of personal hygiene

Pregnant and lactating mothers are encouraged to avoid using the BETADINE® PVPI Feminine Care range due to the potential risks to the fetus/baby. There is a possible chance that the fetus/baby may be at risk of reversible hypothyroidism. Even though hypothyroidism is reversible, it might still lead to future metabolic conditions.

Women who suffer from hypothyroidism should also avoid using the BETADINE® PVPI Feminine Care range.

Povidone-iodine, which is the active ingredient in BETADINE® Feminine Care PVPI, is naturally golden brown in colour. It will not stain your skin, fingernails or hair.

BETADINE® Feminine Care PVPI products can also be washed off even if they get into contact with your clothes. If you accidentally get some on natural fibers it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap.

CAUTION: Immediately wipe up spills on plastic floors.

WOUND CARE

9 Q&As
Both antiseptic and disinfectant prevent the growth of micro-organisms45. The main difference between the two is that disinfectants are usually used on inanimate object (e.g. tables, floors, chairs) and antiseptics are more suitable for human skin45.

Antiseptics are used to cleanse and prevent infections in cuts, scratches, burns, grazes or other minor injuries where the skin is broken, or as a preventive measure before piercing the skin (e.g. an injection). For this very reason, BETADINE® wound care products has a wide range of antiseptic formats for your different needs.
You should not use a poor quality antiseptic product. A poor quality antiseptic product that does not kill germs will not prevent infection and may even prolong the wound healing process.12
The main reason for using antiseptics on wounds is to prevent infections, making the healing process faster14. Infections can cause delays and prevent healing, or even worsen the wound condition.
BETADINE® wound care products use a povidone-iodine solution to quickly kill the germs that cause wound infections14. BETADINE® antiseptic is relatively free of irritation or stinging, making it easier to use on your kids14, 11. Individual response varies.
The active ingredient in BETADINE® antiseptic products, povidone-iodine, is naturally a golden brown color. It will not stain your skin, fingernails or hair, although you can see where it’s been applied on the skin.3

If you accidentally get BETADINE® on natural fibers it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap. For man-made fibers, BETADINE® antiseptic products can usually be washed off with the help of a stain remover.

CAUTION: Immediately remove spills from plastic floors.

BETADINE® antiseptics provide germ-killing action.

BETADINE® Wound Care is an antiseptic, not an antibiotic. BETADINE® Wound Care range contains povidone-iodine that acts on germs that may cause wound infection14. These germs get killed before it has an opportunity to infect the wound.

Water only removes physical debris lodged in flesh, unlike an antiseptic like BETADINE® Wound Care product that is used to kill surface germs and prevent infection13.

Additionally, the use of tap water to cleanse the wound would not be recommended in a country where a constant supply of potable drinking water is not available.32
Pregnant and lactating mothers are encouraged to avoid using BETADINE® Wound Care products due to the potential risks to the fetus. There is a possible chance that the fetus may be at risk of reversible hypothyroidism. Although hypothyroidism is reversible, it may lead to future metabolic conditions.

5 facts about antibiotic resistance

Jul 31, 2023, 16:18 PM
Title : 5 facts about antibiotic resistance
Published by :
Published date : Jan 1, 2022, 00:00 AM
Antibiotics are vital drugs that help target bacterial infections – but antibiotic resistance is a growing problem. Read on to find out more.

Antibiotics are vital drugs that help target bacterial infections – but antibiotic resistance is a growing problem. Read on to find out more…

1. Antibiotic resistance is the ability of a bacteria to stop an antibiotic from working – bacteria can evolve so that they can resist previously effective medications.1

2. Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health, food security and development.1

3. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed speeds up the process of antibiotic resistance – antibiotics should not be taken for viral infections such as cold and flu.1*

4. A number of infections are becoming hard to treat as antibiotics resistance grows.1

5. You can help prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance by taking antibiotics responsibly – always follow a doctor’s guidance and never demand antibiotics from your doctor.1

Suffering from cold and flu? Colds are caused by viruses, so antibiotics won’t help,* and taking antibiotics when they are not required can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Reach for BETADINE® Cold & Flu for a range of treatment options that tackle the germs that cause cold and flu, so you can get back on your feet again.

*Depend on the symptom and severity of your illness. When in doubt, please consult your doctors or pharmacists.

References

1. WHO Antibiotic Resistance Factsheet.
http://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antibiotic-resistance. (Accessed November 2018).

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