Povidone Iodine Nasal Spray for COVID-19 Protection?

The use of povidone iodine nasal spray and mouthwash during the current COVID-19 pandemic has been recommended to reduce cross infection and protect healthcare workers.(Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2021)

Is povidone iodine the next ivermectin or hydroxychloroquine? Is there any evidence that povidone iodine can treat COVID-19?

To make 1% povidone iodine nasal spray from 10% povidone iodine solution, it must be diluted first. 10% Povidone Iodine is available OTC (Over the Counter) without a prescription at any drug store for a few dollars. Here is the link: Povidone 10% Iodine on Amazon.

This 10% Povidone Iodine must be diluted by one tenth, to 1% strength before use as a nasal spray or mouth wash, otherwise it is too strong and irritating. You should have someone double check your work if you're doing your own math or triple check your work because higher concentrations can cause damage to the nasal tissue.

Dilute by adding 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the 10% Povidone Iodine into a full glass of water (300 ml). This will make the product diluted enough to use as a mouth rinse or nasal spray, (approximately 1.0%)

Note:
2 tablespoons = 30ml povidone iodine
1 glass water = 300 ml

Iodine 1% Nasal Spray is part of the FLCCC I-MASK+ early treatment protocol: 

Use 1 % povidone iodine commercial product as per instructions 2–3 x daily. If 1 %-product not available, must first dilute the more widely available 10 %-solution.

To make 1% povidone iodine concentrated solution from 10% povidone iodine solution, one dilution method is as follows:
– First pour 1½ tablespoons (25ml) of 10% povidone/ iodine solution into a nasal irrigation bottle of 250ml.
– Then fill to top with distilled, sterile or previously boiled water.
– Tilt head back, apply 4–5 drops to each nostril. Keep tilted for a few minutes, let drain.

- Not recommended in pregnancy.

Do we have any evidence that povidone iodine is effective against COVID-19? 

The Choudhury study in which 606 COVID infected patients in Bangladesh were randomized to 1% povidone iodine, or saline placebo mouthwash and gargle. Patients were followed with PCR testing for viral load. Dr. Choudhury writes:

The group of patients used 1% PVP-I [One per cent Povidone Iodine Solution] have shown tremendously reduced mortality, morbidity and hospital as well as financial burden in this COVID situation.

A study by Avinash Bidra found complete inactivation of the virus after 15 seconds of gargling with a 1% Povidone Iodine Solution. According to the authors:

PVP‐I (povidone iodine) oral antiseptics at all tested concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%, completely inactivated COVID-19 virus within 15 seconds of contact. The 70% ethanol control group was unable to completely inactivate COVID-19 virus after 15 seconds of contact, but was able to inactivate the virus at 30 seconds of contact.

There are 12 published studies from 8 countries supporting povidone-iodine for COVID-19. You can check out the list and details on c19pvpi.com.

Povidone-iodine is no. 5 in this COVID-19 early treatment mortality drug league table:

Online Shopping Guide and where to buy povidone iodine nasal spray:

1% Povidone Iodine: Betadine Gargle and Mouthwash (Amazon)

10% Povidone Iodine: 

• Povidone 10% Iodine on Amazon (Betadine)
• Povidone 10% Iodine on Amazon (Amazon Brand)

Saline Nasal Spray: Amazon Basic Care Premium Saline Nasal Moisturizing Spray

Amber Glass 1 oz Nasal Sprayer. EMPTY, Refillable, Travel Sized, Quality Glass for Saline Applications