Difference Between Betadine and Iodine

March 2022 · 5 minute read

Betadine and iodine are completely different substances from each other. They have different chemical compositions. Betadine is a compound consists of povidone and iodine. Both of these compounds have different commercial value and uniqueness.

Betadine vs Iodine

The main difference between betadine and iodine is that betadine is chemically manufactured. It consists of povidone and iodine. Iodine on the other hand is very rarely naturally found. It is also found in certain species of plants such as cob and tuna.

Betadine is a brown color compound. It is composed of povidone and iodine. The amount of iodine present varies from 9 to 12%. It is used as an antiseptic to treat wounds. It is also used before and after surgeries.

Iodine on the other hand is a chemical element. Its atomic number is 53. The deficiency of iodine in one’s body leads to scurvy. Deficiency of iodine in the body will result in decreased production of thyroxin and triiodothyronine within the body resulting in enlargement of thyroid glands.

Comparison Table Between Betadine and Iodine

Parameter of ComparisonBetadineIodine
DefinitionSubstance contains both povidone and iodineChemical element
Molecular FormulaC6H9I2NOI2
UseAntiseptic or cleaning agentMonitoring thyroid levels
AvailabilityIt is chemically manufactured. Can be found at the chemistRare in nature.
ToxicityMinimum toxicityCan release hazardous toxic vapors at room temperature

 What is Betadine?

Betadine is the brand’s name of the original product that is usually a brown colored substance. It consists of povidone and iodine. It is a type of anti-septic that is used to clear molds and also disinfects them. It is also used before applying the dressing. It also disinfects the skin before and after surgeries. It can be used for both major and minor wounds. Betadine is either applied over the skin in powder or liquid form.

Povidone (polyvinylpyrrolidone) is a polymer that is bounded with iodine, which is present in the substance. It is usually present at an amount of 9-12% in the solution. The molecular formula of povidone-iodine is C6H9I2NO along with a molecular weight of 364.953 g/mol. It is a kind of synthetic substance that was created by a combination of different substances.

Betadine has the minimum toxic effect on the body because of the povidone, it ensures that the iodine is released at a slower rate which prevents it from being much harmful than using iodine on itself. In very few cases irritation is experienced as the povidone minimizes any sort of irritation reaction. As it is low on toxicity can be purchased over the counter at a chemist.

What is Iodine?

Iodine is a chemical element. It is found in the periodic table of elements. It is represented by the symbol “I” and its atomic number is 53. It is the heaviest of the stable halogens that exist. It was discovered by the chemist Bernard Courtois in the year 1811. Its compound is lustrous grey.

Iodine is a key element of life, at the atomic number Z=53, it is the heaviest element that is required by the living organisms. It is necessary or proper regulation of the growth-regulating thyroid hormones such a thyroxin and triiodothyronine.

Deficiency of iodine in the body will result in decreased production of thyroxin and triiodothyronine within the body resulting in enlargement of thyroid glands. Hence the thyroid glands require iodine to form thyroid hormones within the body which controls the metabolism of the body.

Iodine is also used in several nuclear medicines in order to treat certain kinds of cancer. Iodine is very rare in nature, but a good source of iodine can be found in certain food products such as the fishes like cod and tuna. Iodine at room temperature can release toxic vapors and inhaling these vapors might result in muscle weakness and coma.

 Main Differences Between Betadine and Iodine

  • Betadine is chemically made. It consists of both povidone and iodine. Whereas iodine is an actual chemical element with an atomic number 53.
  • The molecular formula of betadine isC6H9I2NO and the molecular formula for iodine isI2.
  • Betadine is used for several purposes but it is majorly used as an antiseptic to treat wounds. It also disinfects the skin before and after surgeries. However, iodine is used to monitor and regulate the thyroid levels in the body. As Deficiency of iodine in the body will result in decreased production of thyroxin and triiodothyronine within the body resulting in enlargement of thyroid glands.
  • Betadine is not naturally found. It is chemically made, but it can be found at the chemist over the counter without any prescription. Iodine on the other hand is very rarely found in nature but it is found in certain species of fish such as cod and tuna.
  • Betadine is not as toxic aspovidone, it ensures that the iodine is released at a slower rate which prevents it from being much harmful than using iodine on itself. Iodine on the other hand at room temperature can release toxic vapors and inhaling these vapors might result in muscle weakness and coma.
  • Conclusion

    Betadine and iodine are two completely different chemicals. They can be differentiated on the basis of several characteristics such as definition, molecular formula, availability, and toxicity.

    Betadine is a brown color substance. It consists of povidone and iodine. It is chemically manufactured and cannot be found naturally. It is used as an antiseptic to treat wounds and disinfect the area. It is available in small quantities over the counter.

    Iodine is a chemical compound, its atomic number being 53. Deficiency of iodine in the body will result in decreased production of thyroxin and triiodothyronine within the body resulting in enlargement of thyroid glands. At room temperature, iodine can release toxic vapors. The result of inhaling these vapors can result in muscle weakness and coma.

    References

  • https://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/Fulltext/2005/08010/Efficacy_of_Dilute_Betadine_Solution_Irrigation_in.2.aspx
  • https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Fulltext/2007/01000/Optimizing_Breast_Pocket_Irrigation__The.3.aspx
  • https://academic.oup.com/edrv/article-abstract/30/4/376/2355070
  • https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=3f-kPJ17_TYC&oi=fnd&pg=PA159&dq=iodine&ots=KozpDu7NM_&sig=pYe5sR_n2rwmyzbOpv5QI81k01w
  • ncG1vNJzZmiZo6Cur8XDop2fnaKau6SxjZympmeUnrOnsdGepZydXZeytcPEnqVmmpWprqW1zZ5kmqaUYrawsMinnGg%3D