Other formulations of povidone-iodine alcoholic solution were off label for this use.

10% povidone-iodine (Betadine Alcoholic solution) was licensed for 'antiseptic skin cleanser for major and minor surgical procedures'. See NICE's information on prescribing medicines.Īlternative if chlorhexidine is contraindicatedĪlcohol-based solution of povidone-iodineĪt the time of publication (April 2019), 10% povidone-iodine alcoholic solution (Videne alcoholic tincture) was licensed for 'topical application'. Other formulations of aqueous chlorhexidine were off label for this use. See NICE's information on prescribing medicines.Īlternative if the surgical site is next to a mucous membraneĪt the time of publication (April 2019), 4.0% aqueous chlorhexidine (Hibiscrub) was licensed for 'preoperative and postoperative skin antisepsis for patients undergoing elective surgery' however, relevant instructions were limited to use as a body wash to be used before the person enters the operating theatre. Some formulations of chlorhexidine in alcohol were off label for this use. Table 1 Options for antiseptic skin preparationįirst choice unless contraindicated or the surgical site is next to a mucous membraneĪt the time of publication (April 2019), 0.5% chlorhexidine in 70% alcohol solution (Hydrex Prevase) was licensed for 'preoperative skin disinfection prior to minor surgical procedures' and 2.0% chlorhexidine in 70% alcohol applicators (ChloraPrep) was licensed for 'disinfection of the skin prior to invasive medical procedures'.

Infected wound care treatment