| Product Name: | Iodoflex |
| Classification Name: | Dressing Polysaccharide Beads, Paste, Medicated |
| Manufacturer: | Smith & Nephew Healthcare Ltd |
Iodoflex consists of individual applications of a cadexomer iodine paste consisting of a macrogol ointment base incorporating sterile, yellow-brown microspheres or beads 0.1- 0.3 mm in diameter. The beads, which are formed from a three-dimensional network of cadexomer - a chemically modified starch, contain elemental iodine within their structure. The paste is presented between two layers of gauze fabric which act as carriers and facilitate application. The iodine content of the beads used to produce the paste is higher than that of standard Iodosorb, in order to produce a final concentration of iodine in the paste of 0.9% w/w. In the presence of aqueous solutions or wound fluid, the beads in the ointment take up liquid and swell, slowly releasing the iodine, which imparts antibacterial properties to the dressing.
Iodoflex is used for the treatment of chronic exuding wounds such as leg ulcers, pressure ulcers and diabetic ulcers, particularly when infection is present or suspected.
As Iodoflex contains iodine it should not be used in patients with known or suspected iodine sensitivity. Usage is also contraindicated in patients with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and in the case of non-toxic nodular goitre. Iodine is absorbed systemically and patients with severely impaired renal function or with a past history of any thyroid disorder are more susceptible to alteration in thyroid metabolism with chronic Iodoflex therapy. In endemic goitre there have been isolated reports of hyperthyroidism associated with Iodoflex.
Prior to application of the dressing, one of the carrier layers is removed and the paste is placed directly in contact with the wound. The second carrier is then generally removed although this can be left in place if required. The Iodoflex wafer is then covered with a dry dressing or absorbent pad, which is secured in the normal manner. Removal is best accomplished by irrigating the wound with sterile water or normal saline, using a syringe. Once the wound has been cleansed, a second dressing is applied while the area is still moist.
The frequency of dressing changes will depend upon the nature of the wound. Daily changes may be required initially, but after the first few days the interval between changes can be extended until eventually the dressing is changed about three times per week. More frequent changes will be required if the paste becomes saturated with exudate as indicated by a loss of colour.
Iodine is absorbed systemically especially when applied to large wounds and therefore Iodoflex should be used with care on patients who have a history of thyroid disorders.
Iodoflex should not be used on children and as iodine can cross the placental barrier and is secreted into milk Iodoflex should not be applied to pregnant women or lactating mothers.
There is a potential interaction of iodine with lithium and therefore co-administration is not recommended. Iodoflex should not be used concomitantly with mercurial antiseptics, e.g. mercurochrome and thiomersal, or taurolidine.
A single application should not exceed 50 grams and not more than 150 grams of Iodoflex should be applied during the course of one week. A single course of treatment with Iodoflex should not exceed 3 months. Iodoflex should not be used on dry wounds.
Iodoflex dressings are available individual wrapped in aluminium foil, sterilised by irradiation.
Iodoflex should be stored in a dry place below 25°C.
5 x 5g
3 x 10g
2 x 17g
Iodoflex is a Pharmacy item [P] and is the subject of a Product Licence (PL 14038/0009).
1. Hansson C., The effects of cadexomer iodine paste in the treatment of venous leg ulcers compared with hydrocolloid dressing and paraffin gauze dressing. Cadexomer Iodine Study Group. Int J Dermatol 1998; 37(5): 390-396.
2. Ormiston M.C., et al, in Cadexomer Iodine. 1983 109: 77-83
3. Mertz P.M. et al, The evaluation of a cadexomer iodine wound dressing on methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in acute wounds. Dermatol Surg 1999; 25(2): 89-93.
4. Zhou LH, Nahm WK, Badiavas E, et al. Slow release iodine preparation and wound healing: in vitro effects consistent with lack of in vivo toxicity in human chronic wounds. Br J Dermatol 2002;146: 365-367.
5. Mertz PM et al., Wounds 1996; 8 (1): 1-8.
6. Falanga V. Proceedings of the 6th European Conference on Advances
in Wound Management, Macmillan magazines Ltd. London 1997.
| Revision Author | Dr S. Thomas |
| Revision No | 1.6 |
| Revision date | 2002/07/14 |
This datacard has been prepared from data provided by the manufacturer and/or from published literature.