Frequently Asked Questions about IODOSORB
How do I remove IODOSORB from the wound?
Remove the secondary dressing. If it is sticking to the IODOSORB, soak with sterile saline or water. To remove IODOSORB from the wound, simply flush it away with sterile saline or water. If there are any small remnants of IODOSORB left in the wound, they will be naturally degraded without causing any delay to healing or systemic reaction.
How can I tell when the IODOSORB needs changing?
IODOSORB will change from a dark brown to off white which indicates that all the iodine has been released. This indicates that it is time to change the IODOSORB. The number of dressing changes therefore depend on the levels of infection and exudate present in the wound.
Is there any risk of iodine absorption causing any problems for the patient?
Generally if you use IODOSORB within the guidelines of the prescribing information (up to a maximum of 150g a week) it is unlikely that there will be any significant iodine absorption and therefore any systemic side effects. However, IODOSORB should not be used in patients with severely impaired renal function or a past history of any thyroid disorder as they are more susceptible to alterations in thyroid metabolism with chronic IODOSORB therapy. It has been observed occasionally that an adherent crust can form when IODOSORB is not changed with sufficient frequency.
Can I use a secondary dressing to secure IODOSORB to the wound?
Yes, you can use any semi-permeable secondary dressing, or secure IODOSORB with bandages over a non-adherent piece of padding or gauze.
Does IODOSORB cause patient pain in what often is already a painful ulcer?
IODOSORB desloughs by absorbing and drawing away slough and exudate from the wound surface. This is not harmful but indicates that the product is working. Sometimes patients feel a warm or smarting sensation and this may be due to the drawing effect of the slough and exudate.
Will IODOSORB relieve ulcer pain?
Yes, it has been shown to. Often IODOSORB will relieve pain whilst in the process of desloughing the wound and killing bacteria. In clinical trials, pain reduction has been a well observed benefit for patients.
What organisms is IODOSORB effective against?
Because IODOSORB contains elemental iodine, it is effective against a wide range of pathogenic bacteria, fungi, yeasts which can delay wound healing. Iodine is also highly effective against Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). There have been no reports of acquired resistance with iodine.
For how long can I use IODOSORB on a slow healing ulcer?
IODOSORB can be used for up to 3 months. At this stage if the ulcer still needs treatment a non-iodine containing product must be used for a minimum of one week before resuming treatment with IODOSORB.
What is the largest amount of IODOSORB I can use in a week?
150g of IODOSORB can be applied per patient per week. A single application should not exceed 50g. If more is needed, refer to the warnings on the relevant data sheet and prescribing information.
Can IODOSORB be used in patients who are sensitive to iodine?
No, this is not recommended.
Will IODOSORB delay wound healing as it contains an antiseptic?
No. In fact IODOSORB has been reported to accelerate healing in randomised controlled trials.14

References
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4 Haughton W, Young T. Common problems in wound care: malodorous wounds. BJN 1995 4, (16):959-963
5 Thomas S. Treating malodorous wounds. Community Outlook, 1989 Oct :27-28,30
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7 Tröeng T, Skog E, Arnesjö B, Gjöres JE, Bergljung L, Gundersen J et al. A randomised multicentre trial to compare the efficacy of cadexomer iodine and standard treatment in the management of chronic venous ulcers in out patients. In: Cadexomer Iodine, Fox JA, Fisher H editors. Stuttgart:Schattauer Verlag 1983. p. 43-50
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10 Sundberg J. Poster presentation. The European Wound Management Association Conference, Milan, Italy 1997
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14 Jones V, Milton T. When and how to use iodine dressings. Nursing Times 2000; 96 (45 suppl):2-3
15 Collier, M. Recognition and management of wound infections. Worldwidewounds, January 2005.
16 Ormiston MC, Seymour MT, Venn GE,Cohen RI, Fox JA Controlled trial of Iodosorb in chronic venous ulcers. BMJ 1985; 291:308-310.
17 Skog E. et al A randomised trial comparing cadexomer iodine and standard treatment in the out-patient management of chronic venous ulcers Br J Dermatol 1983; 109(1): 77-83.
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19 Mertz PM, Davis S, Brewer L, Franzen L. Can antimicrobials be effective without impairing wound healing? The evaluation of a cadexomer iodine ointment. Wounds 1994; 6(6): 184-93