2-Pyrrolidinone

Chemical Name

  • poly(1-vinyl-2-pyrolidone)-iodine complex
  • povidone iodine (PVPI)

IUPAC / CAS

2-Pyrrolidinone, 1-ethenyl-, homopolymer, compd. with iodine / 25665 -41-8

Physical and Chemical Properties

PVPI is a powdered solid , brownish red in color. It is easily soluble in water while insoluble in organic solvents like diethyl ether, acetone, hexane or chloroform.

Mode of Action

PVPI is an iodophor compound. Iodophors are compounds that contain iodine and a carrier or a solubilizing agent which acts as a reservoir for free iodine. Iodine enters the cell membrane of microorganisms and attaches to key protein groups like sulphur containing amino acids like methionine and cysteine, also nucleotides and fatty acids leading to cell death. In enveloped viruses PVPI attacks the surface proteins but can also destabilize the membrane fatty acids by reacting with the unsaturated carbon bonds. It acts very rapidly.

Activity Spectrum

PVPI has good broad spectrum activity against all microorganisms.

  • Bacteria: It acts well against both gram postive and gram negative organisms. It is also tuberculocidal.
  • Viruses: PVPI is a good, rapidly acting virucidal agent. Its action on eneveloped viruses is better than the nonenveloped viruses.
  • Fungi and parasites: PVPI is capable of destroying all types of fungi as well parasites.
  • Sporicidal: Being an iodophoe, PVPI is consisdered to be less active against spore as compared to tincture of iodine preparations.

Advantages

  • As compared to alcoholic and plain iodine preparations, PVPI is more stable. Also PVPI causes less irritation and staining than the other iodine compounds.
  • It is noncarcinogenic and nontoxic compund.
  • Noninflammable

Disadvantages

  • Known contact irritant
  • Cuases staining in the area to which it is applied.

Toxicity and Side Effects in Humans

PVPI is a known skin irritant. It can also be absorbed from the skin; hence topical application of PVPI may cause alteration in the blood iodine levels and affect the thyroid functions.

Regulatory Information

The exposure limits for inhalation of iodine dust is as follows: 1) TWA : 10mg/m3  total inhalation 2) TWA : 5 mg/m3 Respirable inhalation

Safety Measures

  • In case of a spillage, the area must be moped immediately to avoid slips and falls in this area.
  • Explosion proof ventilation settings and an eye wash station must be posted in the vicinity of the handling area. Store PVPI in a cool dry ventilated area away from any sources of ignition or heat.
  • Use personal protective equipment like gloves, apron and goggles when handling large amounts of PVPI.

First Aid Treatment

  • Contact with the eyes may cause irritation. Flush the eyes with cold water at the nearest eye station
  • Skin contact may cause irritation, redness and blistering of the skin. Wash the area with plenty of cold water and  use  an emollient  on the affected area
  • On ingestion, do not induce vomiting and seek immediate medical attention. An immediate gastric lavage with a soft nasogastric tube is helpful in removing the iodine before it is absorbed into the blood.

References

  1. McDonnell G, Russell D. Antiseptics and Disinfectants: Activity, Action and Resistance. Clin Microbiol Rev 1999; 12(1): 147 - 179