Iodosorb Ointment 10g (pack of 2)

What Is Iodosorb Ointment and How Does It Treat Wounds?

Iodosorb ointment is a topical wound care treatment containing cadexomer iodine 0.9% w/w — a slow-release form of iodine embedded within a biodegradable starch polymer. It is used to manage chronic, infected, or heavily exuding wounds where bacterial contamination is slowing the healing process. If you have been dealing with a wound that simply refuses to heal, this product may be exactly what your wound care routine is missing. You can find it alongside other specialist treatments in our skin care collection.

Chronic wounds — including venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and infected traumatic wounds — are a significant clinical challenge. The NHS recognises that wound infection is one of the primary barriers to healing, and antimicrobial wound care products play an important role in managing this. Iodosorb ointment is licensed in the UK for exactly this purpose, providing both antimicrobial action and exudate management in a single application.

How Does Iodosorb Ointment Work on Infected Wounds?

The mechanism behind Iodosorb is genuinely clever. Rather than simply applying iodine directly to a wound — which can be damaging to tissue — cadexomer iodine releases iodine gradually as it absorbs wound fluid. This controlled release means the wound bed receives a sustained antimicrobial effect without the cytotoxic concentrations associated with older iodine preparations like povidone-iodine.

• The cadexomer bead matrix absorbs exudate, slough, and debris from the wound surface.
• As the beads swell with fluid, iodine is released slowly and continuously into the wound bed.
• Iodine disrupts bacterial cell membranes and metabolic processes, reducing the microbial load.
• The moist wound environment created supports granulation tissue formation and re-epithelialisation.
• The ointment turns white or grey when saturated, giving you a clear visual cue that it is time to change the dressing.

This combination of debridement, moisture balance, and antimicrobial activity makes it particularly useful for wounds that are stuck in the inflammatory phase of healing.

Who Is Iodosorb Ointment Suitable For?

This product is intended for adults and children aged 12 and over. It is particularly well-suited to patients managing chronic wounds in a community or home setting, often under the guidance of a GP, district nurse, or tissue viability specialist. That said, it is available over the counter, so you do not always need a prescription to access it.

Iodosorb ointment is appropriate for:

• Venous leg ulcers with signs of infection or heavy exudate
• Pressure ulcers (also called pressure sores or bedsores) in the inflammatory phase
• Infected traumatic wounds such as lacerations or abrasions that are not healing as expected
• Diabetic foot ulcers — though always under medical supervision in this case

It is not suitable for use on dry wounds, wounds with dry necrotic tissue (eschar), or in patients with thyroid disorders, iodine sensitivity, or those taking lithium. Always read the full product information before use.

How Does Iodosorb Ointment Compare to Other Wound Care Options?

How Should You Store Iodosorb Ointment and Is It Clinically Appropriate for You?

Store Iodosorb ointment below 25°C, away from direct heat and sunlight. Do not refrigerate. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use and store out of reach of children. Each 10g tube is single-patient use — do not share between patients to avoid cross-contamination. This pack of 2 gives you two 10g tubes, which is particularly useful for ongoing wound management where regular dressing changes are needed. If you are also managing other aspects of wound-related skin health, browse our creams and ointments collection for complementary products.

Before starting treatment, consider whether this product is right for your specific wound. Iodosorb ointment is not a first-aid product for minor cuts and grazes — it is designed for chronic or infected wounds. If you are unsure whether your wound qualifies, speak to your pharmacist or GP before applying.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Iodosorb Ointment and What Is It Used For?

Iodosorb ointment is a topical antimicrobial wound care product containing cadexomer iodine 0.9% w/w. It is used for the local treatment of chronic infected wounds, including venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and infected traumatic wounds. The NHS acknowledges that chronic wounds — particularly those with signs of infection such as increased exudate, odour, or surrounding erythema — require targeted antimicrobial intervention to break the cycle of inflammation and promote healing. Iodosorb ointment addresses this by simultaneously managing exudate and delivering sustained antimicrobial activity to the wound bed.

This product is not intended for minor cuts, grazes, or dry wounds. It is specifically formulated for wounds that are producing moderate to heavy exudate and showing signs of bacterial colonisation or infection. If you are managing a wound alongside other skin conditions, our first aid collection includes a range of complementary products for broader wound management needs.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Iodosorb Ointment?

Before applying Iodosorb ointment, it is essential to check whether it is appropriate for you. There are several important contraindications and precautions to be aware of.

Do not use Iodosorb ointment if you:

• Are allergic to iodine or any ingredient in the product
• Have a thyroid disorder (including hyperthyroidism or Hashimoto's thyroiditis)
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are under 12 years of age
• Have Duhring's disease (dermatitis herpetiformis)
• Have a known sensitivity to cadexomer or starch-based polymers

Use with caution if you:

• Have renal impairment — systemic iodine absorption may be increased
• Are applying to a very large wound area — risk of significant systemic iodine absorption increases with wound surface area
• Have a history of thyroid disease, even if currently well-controlled

Known drug interactions:

• Lithium — iodine can potentiate the hypothyroid effect of lithium; concurrent use is not recommended
• Thyroid medications — iodine may interfere with thyroid function tests and treatment
• Other iodine-containing preparations — avoid concurrent use to prevent excessive systemic iodine load

How Should You Use Iodosorb Ointment?

Always follow the instructions provided with the product or as directed by your healthcare professional. The steps below reflect standard clinical guidance for applying cadexomer iodine ointment to a chronic wound.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the product or touching the wound.
2. Gently cleanse the wound with an appropriate wound irrigation solution or sterile saline. Pat the surrounding skin dry.
3. Apply Iodosorb ointment directly to the wound surface in a layer approximately 3mm thick. Do not apply to the surrounding intact skin.
4. Cover the ointment with a suitable non-adherent secondary dressing to keep it in place and protect the wound.
5. Secure the dressing with tape or a bandage as appropriate for the wound location.
6. Monitor the dressing. When the ointment turns white or grey, it has reached its absorption capacity and should be changed.
7. At each dressing change, gently irrigate the wound to remove residual ointment before reapplying.

Do not apply more than 150g of cadexomer iodine per week. Do not use on a wound area exceeding 10% of total body surface area.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Iodosorb Ointment?

Like all medicines, Iodosorb ointment can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Most side effects are localised to the wound area and resolve once treatment is stopped.

Common side effects:

• Transient stinging or burning sensation at the wound site on application
• Localised erythema (redness) around the wound margins
• Mild irritation of the periwound skin

Less common side effects:

• Systemic iodine absorption — may affect thyroid function with prolonged use or large wound areas
• Allergic contact dermatitis — if you develop a widespread rash, stop use immediately
• Transient elevation of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels

If you notice any signs of a systemic reaction — such as swelling of the face, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash — stop using the product and seek urgent medical attention. For ongoing wound management support, you may also find useful products in our pain relief collection if wound-related discomfort is a concern.

How Should You Store Iodosorb Ointment?

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Do not refrigerate or freeze
• Keep the tube tightly closed after each use
• Store out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the tube and carton
• Do not share tubes between patients — each tube is for single-patient use only
• Dispose of any unused product safely — ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer need