Products
Pure povidone is available to order in pharmacies. Povidone is found in many drugs as an excipient, especially in tablets. It is a component of the disinfectant povidone-iodine, which is available as a solution and ointment, among other products. Povidone is also found in artificial tears and, as such, is approved as a drug in many countries.
Structure and properties
Povidone is composed of linear polymers of -vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (1-ethenylpyrrolidin-2-one, vinylpyrrolidone). The different types are characterized by the viscosity of their solutions, expressed by the K value. Povidone exists as a white to yellowish-white, highly hygroscopic, odorless powder or flake and is readily soluble in water. This is in contrast to the related and water-insoluble crospovidone.
Fields of application (selection)
- The disinfectant povidone-iodine (Betadine, generic) contains povidone to reduce the adverse effects of iodine and prolong the duration of action.
- Povidone is contained in some tear substitutes for the treatment of dry eyes, see, for example, under Povidone K 25.
- Povidone is contained as a pharmaceutical excipient in tablets and granules, among other things, and serves mainly as a binder.
- As a solubilizer.
- For the preparation of hydrogels.