PProduct Name:
IODOSORB OINTMENT™
Classification Name:
Dressing Polysaccharide Beads, Ointment, Medicated
Manufacturer:
Smith and Nephew Healthcare Ltd

Product description	
Iodosorb Ointment consists of a macrogol ointment base incorporating sterile, yellow-
brown microspheres or beads 0.1-0.3 mm in diameter. The beads, which are formed from 
a three-dimensional network of cadexomer - a chemically modified starch, contain 
elemental iodine within their structure. The iodine content of the beads used to produce 
the paste is higher than that of standard Iodosorb in order to produce a final concentration 
of iodine in the paste of 0.9% w/w. In the presence of aqueous solutions or wound fluid, 
the beads in the ointment take up liquid and swell, slowly releasing the iodine, which 
imparts antibacterial properties to the dressing. 
Indications 
Iodosorb Ointment is used for the treatment of chronic exuding wounds such as leg 
ulcers, pressure ulcers and diabetic ulcers, particularly when infection is present or 
suspected. 
Contra-indications
As Iodosorb Ointment contains iodine it should not be used in patients with known or 
suspected iodine sensitivity. 
Usage is also contraindicated in patients with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and in the case of 
non-toxic nodular goitre. Iodine is absorbed systemically and patients with severely 
impaired renal function or with a past history of any thyroid disorder are more 
susceptible to alteration in thyroid metabolism with chronic Iodosorb Ointment therapy. 
In endemic goitre there have been isolated reports of hyperthyroidism associated with 
Iodosorb Ointment.   
Method of use 
Iodosorb Ointment is placed directly onto the wound to a depth of about 3mm and 
covered with a dry dressing or absorbent pad, which is secured in the normal manner. 
Removal is best accomplished by irrigating the wound with sterile water or normal 
saline, using a syringe. Once the wound has been cleansed, a second dressing is applied 
while the area is still moist. 
Frequency of change 
The frequency of dressing changes will depend upon the nature of the wound. Daily 
changes may be required initially, but after the first few days the interval between 
changes can be extended until eventually the dressing is changed about three times per 
week. More frequent changes will be required if the ointment becomes saturated with 
exudate as indicated by a loss of colour.
Warnings and precautions 
Iodine is absorbed systemically especially when applied to large wounds and therefore 
Iodosorb Ointment should be used with care on patients who have a history of thyroid 
disorders. 
Iodosorb Ointment should not be used on children and as iodine can cross the placental 
barrier and is secreted into milk Iodosorb Ointment should not be applied to pregnant 
women or lactating mothers. 
There is a potential interaction of iodine with lithium and therefore co-administration is 
not recommended. Iodosorb Ointment should not be used concomitantly with mercurial 
antiseptics, e.g. mercurochrome and thiomersal, or taurolidine. 
A single application should not exceed 50 grams and not more than 150 grams of 
Iodosorb Ointment should be applied during the course of one week. A single course of 
treatment with Iodosorb Ointment should not exceed 3 months.
Iodosorb Ointment should not be used on dry wounds. 
Presentation 
Iodosorb Ointment is supplied sterile in collapsible tubes each containing 10 or 20 grams 
and each tube is for single patient use.
Storage and shelf life
Iodosorb Ointment should be stored in a dry place below 25º  
Legal category
Iodosorb Ointment is a Pharmacy item [P] and is the subject of a Product Licence  (PL 
14038/0008)    
Bibliography 
1.	Hansson C., The effects of cadexomer iodine paste in the treatment of venous 
leg ulcers compared with hydrocolloid dressing and paraffin gauze dressing. 
Cadexomer Iodine Study Group. Int J Dermatol 1998; 37(5): 390-396.
2.	 Ormiston M.C., et al, in Cadexomer Iodine. 1983 109: 77-83
3.	Mertz P.M. et al, The evaluation of a cadexomer iodine wound dressing on 
methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in acute wounds. 
Dermatol Surg 1999; 25(2): 89-93.
4.	Zhou LH, Nahm WK, Badiavas E, et al. Slow release iodine preparation and wound 
healing: in vitro effects consistent with lack of in vivo toxicity in human chronic 
wounds. Br J Dermatol 2002;146: 365-367 
5.	Mertz PM et al., Wounds 1996; 8 (1): 1-8. 
6.	Falanga V. Proceedings of the 6th European Conference on Advances in Wound 
Management, Macmillan magazines Ltd. London 1997.



©1992-2001, SMTL, Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend South Wales  
Date of preparation: 11/07/02 
Iodosorb Ointment Datacard		Page 1 of 1