Inadine® is an iodine-based antimicrobial dressing used to help prevent or treat infection in certain types of wounds. It is designed to kill germs while protecting the wound surface and reducing sticking during dressing changes.
This guide explains what Inadine is, when it should be used, and how to use it safely.
What Is Inadine®?
Inadine is a non-stick wound dressing made from a soft viscose sheet that contains povidone iodine. When placed on a wound, it slowly releases iodine to help reduce bacteria and prevent infection.
Inadine:
- Helps control germs in the wound
- Does not stick to the wound bed
- Must always be covered with a secondary dressing
What Types of Wounds Is Inadine Used For?
Inadine may be used for:
- Shallow wounds (less than 1 cm deep)
- Wounds that are slow to heal
- Wounds showing signs of local infection (redness, increased drainage, odor)
- Infection prevention in people at high risk of wound infection
- As an add-on to antibiotics if infection is spreading
It can be used in adults and children, when directed by a healthcare provider .
When Inadine Should NOT Be Used
Do not use Inadine if:
- You are allergic to iodine or any dressing component
- The wound is deep (more than 1 cm), has tunnels, or undermining
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have Duhring’s dermatitis
- The wound requires packing
Special caution is needed if you:
- Have thyroid disease
- Have kidney problems
- Take lithium
- Are treating large wounds for a long time
In these cases, your nurse or doctor should monitor you closely .
Step-by-Step: How Inadine Is Applied
1. Prepare the Wound
- Clean the wound and surrounding skin with normal saline or an approved wound cleanser
- Gently dry the surrounding skin
2. Apply Inadine
- Choose a piece of Inadine that is slightly larger than the wound
- You may cut or fold it to fit
- Remove the backing paper
- Place one single layer directly onto the wound
- Do not stack layers (this can cause skin damage)
3. Cover the Dressing
- Apply a secondary dressing (such as foam or gauze)
- The type of cover depends on how much fluid the wound produces
Dressing Changes: How Often?
- Inadine can stay in place for up to 7 days
- It may need changing once or twice daily if the wound is very wet
- The dressing will change from orange to white as the iodine is used up
- When it turns white, it no longer works and must be changed
Your nurse will decide how often it should be changed based on drainage and wound condition .
How Inadine Is Removed
- The cover dressing is removed first
- Inadine is gently lifted from the wound
- Adhesive remover may be used to protect fragile skin
- Removal should be gentle and comfortable
Inadine is designed not to stick to the wound bed.
What to Expect
With correct use:
- Signs of infection should improve within 14 days
- The dressing should not stick or cause pain
- The wound environment should remain clean and protected
If the wound does not improve or the product does not work as expected, your nurse should reassess the treatment plan .
When to Call Your Nurse or Healthcare Provider
Contact your nurse if you notice:
- Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pain
- Thick, smelly, or pus-like drainage
- Fever or feeling unwell
- The wound getting deeper or larger
- Skin irritation, rash, or burning around the wound
- The dressing turning white very quickly
- No improvement after 2 weeks
