Skip to Content
Looking to save on your medications?  Find out how 

Iodosorb

Generic name: cadexomer iodine topical

What is Iodosorb used for?

  • Iodosorb is used to clean wounds.
  • It is used to promote healing of skin ulcers and wounds.

Before taking Iodosorb, tell your doctor:

  • If you are allergic to Iodosorb; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
  • If you have thyroid disease.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Do not take Iodosorb if you are pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take Iodosorb.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Iodosorb with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Iodosorb?

  • Tell all of your health care providers that you take Iodosorb. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  • Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
  • This medicine does not work to clean dry wounds.
  • The wound may look bigger during the first few days it is treated.
  • Do not use Iodosorb for longer than 3 months without checking with your doctor.

How is Iodosorb best taken?

Use Iodosorb as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • Wear gloves to handle Iodosorb.
  • Do not take Iodosorb by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
  • Clean the affected area before use as you have been told. Do not dry the area all the way.
  • Wash the affected area gently after the dressing is taken off.
  • Put the drug on gauze, then place the gauze on the area.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
  • If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
  • Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are the side effects of Iodosorb that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Very bad pain.
  • Very bad swelling.
  • Very bad skin irritation.

What are some other side effects of Iodosorb?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

  • Pain.
  • Redness.
  • Swelling.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Iodosorb?

  • Store at room temperature.
  • Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer information use and disclaimer

  • If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
  • Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Iodosorb, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take Iodosorb or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to Iodosorb. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Source: Wolters Kluwer Health. Last updated April 5, 2023.