Why is iodine no longer used as an antiseptic?

Drawbacks to its use in the form of aqueous solutions include irritation at the site of application, toxicity, and the staining of surrounding tissues. These deficiencies were overcome by the discovery and use of PVP-I, in which the iodine is carried in a complexed form and the concentration of free iodine is very low.

Why did they take mercurochrome off the market?

Regulations: In 1998, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared that mercurochrome was “not generally recognized as safe and effective” as an over-the-counter antiseptic and banned its sale in the U.S.

Why can you not buy iodine anymore?

Iodine, for many years used by walkers and mountaineers to disinfect water, will be banned in the European Union from autumn. The main risks from drinking untreated water come from bacteria, viruses and parasites such as giardia and cryptosporidium.

What happened to mercurochrome and Merthiolate?

Mercurochrome and another popular antiseptic of a generation or two ago, Merthiolate, contained mercury, that liquid metal health authorities have decided is toxic enough in large amounts to ban its general use, even enclosed in glass thermometers.

Does iodine sting on wounds?

Iodine-based products can be associated with a transient burning or stinging sensation immediately after they are applied to open wounds. However, this is not harmful34. The stinging probably relates to the osmotic loads delivered by higher concentrations of iodine in some preparations.

How do you use iodine tincture?

As an antiseptic for use on minor wounds, cuts and abrasions. For cutaneous use. The product is suitable for use by adults, children and the elderly. Apply to the affected part with cotton wool or a small brush.

Can you buy iodine anymore?

A. Yes, but it can only be purchased through a vendor who is registered to handle controlled products. It is likely that your veterinarian is registered to handle other DEA controlled substances and may also carry 7 percent iodine for their clients.

What is the best form of iodine to take?

Nascent iodine is the best form for supplementation. I recommend Detoxadine®, an extremely pure, deep-earth sourced, certified-organic nascent iodine. Each drop contains 650 mcg of iodine.

Is Merthiolate still made?

What I discovered was a little unsettling. First, the FDA banned and stopped the sale of both Merthiolate and Mercurochrome in the 1990s. Seems they contain worrisome ingredients known as Thimerosal and merbromin, commonly called mercury.

When was Merthiolate taken off the market?

The FDA banned the use of merthiolate in over-the-counter products in the late 1990s.

Does mercurochrome antiseptic cause mass mercury poisoning?

While no one’s offered evidence of mass Mercurochrome poisoning, the medical literature contains scattered reports of mercury toxicity due to use of the antiseptic, and these days the burden of proof is on drug manufacturers to show that their products’ benefits outweigh the risks.

What happened to Merthiolate and mercurochrome?

First, the FDA banned and stopped the sale of both Merthiolate and Mercurochrome in the 1990s. Seems they contain worrisome ingredients known as Thimerosal and merbromin, commonly called mercury.

What are the benefits of iodine for wounds?

Iodine has great antimicrobial property which prevents the cut from getting infected. Consequently, it helps it to heal up faster (since their is no infection to delay healing). Iodine has long being in use.

Why is Mercurochrome banned in USA?

Mercurochrome is considered as a mercury compound and was hence banned in the United States lately because of fear of mercury poisoning [17]. Mercurochrome is a disodium compound of mercury and considered as non-poisonous. It is practically not absorbed at all from the raw surface of the wound.