We are always on the lookout for new products that can benefit our customers’ health and wellness, so we are happy to share the news that scientists have discovered how a compound that’s been around in hospitals for decades performing sterling work fighting infections has been adapted to perform a new function as an antiviral nasal spray that’s lifted it into a whole new world of value to everyone. The technical name of the compound is povidone-iodine, and it may be more familiar to you by its usual name, which is Betadine.
What is povidone-iodine, and how does it work?
Povidone-iodine (also known as PVP-I) is a trusted antiseptic that has been used for decades in medical settings to kill germs on the skin, wounds, and burns in hospitals. It releases iodine, which is deadly to viruses (and bacteria) but safe for humans when used properly.
PVP-I is safe for use as an antiviral nasal spray. At low concentrations (0.5% to 1%) and with the right formulation, it’s gentle on nasal tissues, with minimal irritation and no impact on smell or other safety concerns.
Using iodine to fight germs and viruses that invade your nose
Your nose is the primary target for respiratory infections, such as colds and the flu. These infections typically begin in the nasal passages. Rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, influenza, and a multitude of other viruses (more than 200 at last count) enter the nose each time a person inhales, carried inside airborne droplets that another infected person ejected in a sneeze or cough. Sometimes, these droplets land on an open surface, and subsequently, you touch the contaminated surface and then bring the droplets near your face. Viruses can remain virulent for many hours inside the droplets, so walking into an empty room is no guarantee that they aren’t hanging around waiting to pounce! Once inside the nose, these viruses attach to the cells lining the nasal passages, where they multiply and then spread, causing symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, and congestion that can last for up to a week.
The good news we learned is that the nose is the right place to prevent this from happening. If you can target the germs or viruses before they land using an antiviral nasal spray, it’s possible to prevent infections from spreading or at least reduce their severity. For a long time, people just lived with the idea that you can’t avoid catching a cold at least once or twice a year, but now there is a way to do that because povidone-iodine nasal sprays are designed to do just that.
In nasal sprays, povidone-iodine can:
- Kills viruses quickly: Research shows that it can inactivate viruses, such as those causing colds and flu, in seconds. Lab studies confirm it reduces the infectivity of coronaviruses by up to 99.99% in under a minute.
- Reduce viral load: By lowering the number of infectious viruses in your nose, you can prevent infections from starting or, if they have already started, from spreading deeper or to others.
Povidone-iodine nasal sprays are a smart, science-backed tool that promotes nasal hygiene and can help prevent and treat common colds and other infections that originate in the nose. The sprays are safe and easy to use. They target viruses right where they start to do their mischief in your nose. This makes povidone-iodine nasal sprays ideal for prevention (e.g., before attending a crowded public event) and early treatment (at the first sign of symptoms).
In the rest of this article, we’ll explore why these sprays make sense and review the main povidone-iodine nasal sprays on the US market.
Benefits of povidone-iodine nasal sprays
Using a povidone-iodine nasal spray offers several advantages:
- Prevention: Spraying before exposure to viruses creates a protective antimicrobial barrier inside the nose that can kill pathogens.
- Early effect: Spraying at the first sign of an infection could stop it in its tracks or at least reduce the lifetime and severity of the symptoms.
- Broad-spectrum action: Iodine is effective against all of the viruses that are known to cause colds and flu.
- Easy to use: The sprays are lightweight and portable, making them easy to carry for on-the-go protection.
- Available over-the-counter: PVP-I sprays don’t require a prescription.
- Few side effects: They have a good safety profile. If any side effects occur, they are typically mild and temporary, affecting the nasal area.
- Safe: These sprays are generally safe for most people; however, if you have thyroid issues or are pregnant, it’s advisable to consult a doctor before use.
There are several povidone-iodine sprays now on the market. Among the options, Nasodine® Nasal Spray stands out for its robust research, proven results, and user-friendly design.
A summary of the povidone-iodine nasal sprays now available in the US
Several povidone-iodine nasal sprays are available in the US, but they differ in some ways. Some were rushed to the market in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s a review of the main players:
Nasodine® Nasal Spray (0.5% povidone-iodine) 25 mL
Nasodine® antiviral nasal spray is supported by over ten years of research and development by Firebrick Pharma, a biotech company dedicated to developing innovative antiviral solutions. It uses a 0.5% concentration, which research has shown to be low enough to avoid any safety concerns but still close to the optimum concentration of PVP-I for killing viruses. Initial trials showed that even with four full-dose sprays per day (the maximum recommended dose), the quantity of iodine absorbed was not clinically significant. Later phase 2 trials demonstrated that iodine killed SARS-CoV-2 (the COVID-19 virus) within one minute. A second phase 2 clinical trial showed that iodine from the spray significantly reduced the transmission of the virus from infected COVID-19 patients, indicating that it can limit the spread of further infections.
Several independent clinical trials support its safety. Nasodine® comes in a pre-assembled bottle and pump, designed for immediate use straight out of the pack, with no inconvenient assembly needed.
Viraldine (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% PVP-I) Nasal Spray 30 mL
Viraldine was launched in 2020 and is promoted for a range of uses, including nasal congestion, sinusitis, cold and flu infections, and allergies. Its nasal spray is available in three concentrations: 0.5% for children and 1.0% or 1.5% for adults. There’s not much published clinical trial data or peer-reviewed publications. The potential safety issues coming from iodine absorption at higher concentrations are unknown. It comes supplied as a solution in a glass bottle with a separate spray pump, which means it has to be assembled.
ImmuneMist Nasal Cleanse 30 mL
ImmuneMist was also introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is promoted as a nasal cleanser that can keep the nasal passages clear of pathogens and reduce the viral load. Promotional material emphasizes its portability. It has the advantage of being promoted by the popular cardiologist Dr Peter McCullough of the Wellness Company. The exact PVP-I concentration in the product is not given on the package, and it also doesn’t provide information about clinical trials or peer-reviewed studies.
It is supplied as a solution in a glass bottle with a separate spray pump, requiring assembly after purchase.
Epothex Povidone Iodine Nasal Spray 30 mL
Epothex is available in two strengths: 0.6% or 1.0%. It’s promoted as a PVP-I nasal cleanser to reduce airborne contaminants. The company claims that the product is pharmacist-developed with high-quality ingredients, but there is a lack of clinical research or data in peer-reviewed publications. Therefore, we can only say that it’s a post-2020 product with a limited development history. On its website, users report that it helps clear sinuses and ease cold symptoms, but some note issues with bottle leakage. There is no information available about its packaging.
CofixRx Nasal Cleanse 10 mL
CofixRx is better known because it is available through some retail pharmacies, and the company offers free shipping on bulk orders. It is promoted as being a nasal cleanser that supports nasal hygiene. The PVP-I strength is not stated on the pack, but online sources indicate that it contains 1.25% PVP-I. There are no published clinical trial results or peer-reviewed research on its safety or efficacy.
It requires assembly of the pump and liquid bottle before use. Although each pack is similarly priced to other PVP-I nasal sprays, its cost per dose could be higher since each pack delivers a 10 mL bottle, compared to 25-30 mL for other nasal sprays.
Why Nasodine® is the top choice
Nasodine® antiviral nasal spray has several unique advantages that make it the preferred option. Its povidone-iodine strength of 0.5% is scientifically optimized for efficacy and safety. Other nasal sprays don’t offer clinically proven formulations and, in some cases, deliver very high PVP-I concentrations. Nasodine® nasal spray is backed by ten years of research and development, and its effectiveness is supported by multiple independently-controlled human clinical trials that also confirm its safety. Multiple peer-reviewed publications underscore its value.
Unlike most of the other products, Nasodine® comes in a pre-assembled format, so it’s ready to use straight out of the pack. This advantage, in combination with its rigorous standards, makes Nasodine® the PVP-I nasal spray of choice. It’s the gold standard in PVP-I nasal sprays.
How to use Nasodine®
- For prevention: 1-2 antiviral nasal spray in each nostril, up to 4 times daily. Apply doses especially when entering high-risk areas, such as trains, buses, and airports, or when you may be in crowds where people nearby could be infected.
- For treatment: At the first sign of symptoms, take 3-4 sprays in each nostril 4 times daily.
- Tips for optimal use: Tilt your head back, aim the nozzle slightly upward, and inhale gently each time you spray. Clean the nozzle after use for hygiene.
- Precautions: Avoid Nasodine® if you have a known allergy to povidone-iodine, if you have a thyroid condition, or are pregnant. Ask a doctor if you have any doubts before using a PVP-I nasal spray.
The bottom line
Povidone-iodine antiviral nasal spray is a new, simple, researched way to combat colds and respiratory infections at their source. Many brands emerged post-2020 pandemic, but Nasodine® Nasal Spray led the way with ten years of R&D, multiple clinical trials, and peer-reviewed publications. It comes in a convenient pre-assembled design. Whether you’re preventing a cold from taking hold or tackling one that is settling in, Nasodine®’s proven efficacy, safety, and ease of use make it the smart choice.
Stay healthy, and keep the germs and viruses at bay!
Statements about products are based on available research, and the FDA has not approved the products for diagnosing, treating, curing, or preventing any condition.
