Method: starting day 1 of symptoms, 10ml of 1% v/w Povidone Iodine (PVP-I) in sterile water, mouthwash 30 sec, then gargle 30sec then spit out, 2 eyedrops and 5 nose drops, 4hrly for 4 weeks
In a paper by Chaudhury et al, 2021 – Povidone iodine 1% (various concentrations available in most NZ pharmacies as “Betadine”), reduced hospitalisation and deaths (Randomised Control Trial, 303 treatment, 303 placebo)
Povidone Iodine is water soluble polymer, polyvinyl pyrrotodon (PVP-I). The lowest concentration of povidone iodine to be effective was 1% when used for 30 seconds, leading to a reduction of viral activity of ≥ 99.99%.
Total 606 (COVID positive) patients were enrolled out of 1113 recruited, ages >10yr <90yr, trial ran from 1st February 2020 to 30th August 2020
Exclusions: Patients with history of allergy to povidone iodine, all form of thyroid diseases or on radioactive iodine treatment, known pregnancy, renal failure and malignancy.
Results:
The iodine exposure from this treatment is probably safe. In Ader’s study (see below), 6 months use of daily 5% PVP-I mouthwash/rinse, nasal wash caused no change in serum T3,T4 or FT4. 41 In this study, they found no change in serum TSH,T3,T4 or FT4 after 4 weeks (4 times a day) use of 1% PVP-I.
Ader AW, Paul TL, Reinhardt W, Safran M, Pino SAM, McArthur, et al. Effect of mouth rinsing with two
polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine mixtures on iodine absorption and thyroid function.The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 1988; 66(3): pp.632-635
Hat tip to @DavidGollogly