Topical Management of Wound: A Narrative Review of Cadexomer Iodine Ointment Versus Povidone Iodine Ointment

Several iodine formulations have been used for wound care for ages, but still there exist a number of controversial issues regarding their uses in the present era. Many published studies are available for both povidone iodine (PI) and cadexomer iodine (CI) with conflicting outcomes due to different preparations used and different study types. PI has a broad spectrum of activity including antiseptic properties, anti-inflammatory properties, low cytotoxicity, and good tolerability with the absence of associated resistance. CI is an immobilized iodine molecule in a hydrophilic modified-starch polymer bead with the dual property of cleansing the wound by absorbing the exudate and bactericidal effect by sustained release of iodine molecules over the infected wound. The preparations comprising PI and CI improve wound healing and minimize the bacterial infestation or contamination in various chronic wounds, burns, and ulcers. This review narrates the comparison of CI and PI for the management of wounds in the context of biofilm reduction, wound size reduction, and granulation tissue promotion.