Evidence suggests antiviral effects of povidone-iodine against the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. A recent study examined the antiviral mechanisms of povidone-iodine, its efficacy against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and its safety for human epithelial cells and thyroid function.

This study searched the electronic databases PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and World Health Organization′s International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for articles relating to povidone-iodine, SARS-CoV-2, and COVID-19 from database inception till 3 June 2021.

The observations were-

• The in vitro data supports the anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects of povidone-iodine; however, the findings from clinical studies differ in treatment response depending on study settings (healthy vs. hospitalized participants), treatment target (nasal vs. oral vs. pharynx), administration methods (oral rinse vs. gargle vs. throat spray) and choice of samples (nasopharyngeal vs. saliva).
• One large-scale clinical trial demonstrates a decrease in SARS-CoV-2 infection incidence among participants using povidone-iodine three times daily during an active outbreak.
• Povidone-iodine also disinfects the oro-pharyngeal space before dental or otolaryngology procedures. 

Thus, utilizing Povidone-iodine in the oropharyngeal space could complement existing non-pharmacological interventions to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in high-exposure settings.

Ann Med. 2022 Dec;54(1):1488-1499. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2076902.