• Dr. Harsh Mittal
• Dr. Arjun
• Dr. Kamakshi Sharma
• Dr. Rajesh Agrawal
• Dr. Leena Chatterjee

Povidone-iodine (PVPI) sprays may benefit patients with upper respiratory tract inflammations (URTI). This study evaluated the efficacy of PVPI nasal and throat sprays in patients with URTI and their effect on bacterial and viral loads. Two double-blind pilot studies enrolled 10 patients each with rhinitis and pharyngitis/tonsilitis, respectively. In the nasal spray (NS) study, the test spray was PVPI (0.5% w/v) and in the throat spray (TS) study, it was PVPI (0.45% w/v). In addition to standard therapy, patients randomly received either test (n=5) or placebo (n=5) by self-administration as 2–3 sprays, 3 times daily. Evaluations included changes in the total nasal symptoms score (TNSS) in the NS study, in pharyngitis/tonsilitis symptoms on a 5-point Likert scale in the TS study, and in bacterial and viral loads in both studies. By Day 5, in the NS study, the PVPI group showed a greater reduction in TNSS from baseline (97.30% versus 84.21% in placebo) and the virus was detected in fewer patients (1 versus 3 at baseline). In the TS study, by Day 5, in the PVPI group, the mean Likert score of pharyngitis/tonsilitis symptoms had reduced more (93.75% versus 85.71% in the placebo group) and the virus was detected in fewer patients (none versus 4 at baseline). In both studies, normal bacterial flora growth was not significantly affected and no adverse events were reported. Nasal and throat sprays of PVPI as adjuvant therapy may reduce symptoms and viral loads without major alterations in normal bacterial flora growth. Larger trials are needed to confirm.

Povidone iodine; nasal spray; throat spray; rhinitis; pharyngitis; tonsillitis

"Povidone iodine (Betadine) spray for upper respiratory tract infections: Two pilots randomized controlled studies", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 7, page no.g129-g141, July-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2407616.pdf

"Povidone iodine (Betadine) spray for upper respiratory tract infections: Two pilots randomized controlled studies", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 7, page no. ppg129-g141, July-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2407616.pdf