Nasal and oral decontamination with povidone-iodine (PVP-I) has been suggested – for reducing nosocomial transmissions of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). 

A literature review was conducted to assess the safety of topical PVP-I to the nasal and oral cavity and the specific efficacy of the antiseptic against SARS-CoV-2.

This study entailed searches from PubMed and Cochrane Databases and a selection of citations in protocols for nasal and oral PVP-I use regarding COVID-19 for the review. 

The findings revealed safe uses of PVP-I – for up to five months in the nasal cavity and six months in the oral cavity. It was also noted that povidone-iodine when used in concentrations below 2.5% does not cause pathological changes in upper respiratory, mucosal cells, or the ciliated epithelium. Its oral use does not cause any adverse effects; contact allergies are rare. 

PVP-I is found to be actively virucidal against coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Further, topical PVP-I can safely be used in the nose at concentrations up to 1.25% and as a mouth rinses at concentrations up to 2.5% for five consecutive months. Its action against coronaviruses is expressed on the application for short periods of 15 seconds. 

Source: Frank S, Capriotti J, Brown SM, Tessema B. Povidone-Iodine Use in Sinonasal and Oral Cavities: A Review of Safety in the COVID-19 Era. Ear Nose Throat J. 2020;99(9):586-593. doi:10.1177/0145561320932318