Non-Staining Iodine Ointment:
A non-staining iodine ointment is formulated to retain the antiseptic properties of iodine while reducing or eliminating the characteristic brown staining associated with traditional iodine preparations (like tincture of iodine or povidone-iodine). This is especially useful for cosmetic reasons or when repeated applications are needed.Example Non-Staining Iodine Ointment: Iodex is a historical example of a non-staining iodine ointment.
What is Non-Staining?
Preparation of Non-Staining Iodine Ointment:
Ingredients (for 100 g of ointment):- Iodine (free iodine)- 0.5 g
- Potassium iodide- 1.0 g
- Polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400)- 49.0 g
- Polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350)- 49.5 g
PEG base acts as the water-soluble ointment base, allowing good skin penetration and minimizing staining.
Procedure of Preparation of Non-Staining Iodine Ointment :
- Dissolution of Iodine:
In a beaker, dissolve iodine in a small quantity of PEG 400 with potassium iodide.Potassium iodide helps to solubilize iodine by forming triiodide ion (I₃⁻), which is more stable and less volatile. Stir until a clear reddish-brown solution is obtained.
- Base preparation:
Melt PEG 3350 using gentle heat (approx. 60°C) in another beaker. Once molten, add the remaining PEG 400 and mix thoroughly.- Incorporation of Iodine Solution:
Slowly add the iodine-potassium iodide solution into the melted PEG base with continuous stirring. Mix thoroughly until uniform.
- Cooling and Packaging:
- Allow the mixture to cool while stirring to ensure uniformity.
- Pour into a wide-mouth container or tube while still semi-fluid.
- Label and store in a tightly closed container, away from light.
Properties of Non-Staining Iodine Ointment:
- Antiseptic (due to iodine)
- Water-washable and non-greasy
- Non-staining or minimally staining
- Stable and easy to apply
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