Povidone

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)