Cadexomer iodine is an
iodophor
An iodophor is a preparation containing iodine complexed with a solubilizing agent, such as a surfactant or water-soluble polymers, for example, povidone (forming povidone-iodine). The result is a water-soluble material that releases free iodine ...
that is produced by the reaction of
dextrin
Dextrins are a group of low-molecular-weight carbohydrates produced by the hydrolysis of starch and glycogen. Dextrins are mixtures of polymers of D-glucose units linked by α-(1→4) or α-(1→6) glycosidic bonds.
Dextrins can be produced from ...
with
epichlorhydrin
Epichlorohydrin (abbreviated ECH) is an organochlorine compound and an epoxide. Despite its name, it is not a halohydrin. It is a colorless liquid with a pungent, garlic-like odor, moderately soluble in water, but miscible with most polar org ...
coupled with ion-exchange groups and
iodine
Iodine is a chemical element with the symbol I and atomic number 53. The heaviest of the stable halogens, it exists as a semi-lustrous, non-metallic solid at standard conditions that melts to form a deep violet liquid at , and boils to a vi ...
. It is a water-soluble
modified starch
Modified starch, also called starch derivatives, are prepared by physically, enzymatically, or chemically treating native starch to change its properties. Modified starches are used in practically all starch applications, such as in food produ ...
polymer containing 0.9% iodine, calculated on a weight-weight basis, within a helical matrix.
History
Cadexomer iodine was developed in the early 1980s in Sweden by
Perstorp AB, and given the name Iodosorb. The product was shown to be effective in the treatment of venous ulcers,.
More recently, it has been shown in studies in animals and humans that, unlike the iodophor
povidone-iodine
Povidone-iodine (PVP-I), also known as iodopovidone, is an antiseptic used for skin disinfection before and after surgery. It may be used both to disinfect the hands of healthcare providers and the skin of the person they are caring for. It may a ...
, Iodosorb causes an acceleration of the
healing process
With physical trauma or disease suffered by an organism, healing involves the repairing of damaged tissue(s), organs and the biological system as a whole and resumption of (normal) functioning. Medicine includes the process by which the cells i ...
in chronic human wounds. This is due to an increase in epidermal regeneration and epithelialization in both partial-thickness and full-thickness wounds. In this way cadexomer iodine acts as a
cicatrizant
D03A Cicatrizants
D03AA Cod-liver oil ointments
D03AX Other cicatrizants
:D03AX01 Cadexomer iodine
:D03AX02 Dextranomer
:D03AX03 Dexpanthenol
:D03AX04 Calcium pantothenate
:D03AX05 Hyaluronic acid
:D03AX06 Becaplermin
:D03AX09 Crilanomer
:D03A ...
.
Properties
When formulated as a topical wound dressing, Iodosorb adsorbs exudate and particulate matter from the surface of granulating wounds and, as the dressing becomes moist, iodine is released. The product thus has the dual effect of cleansing the wound and exerting a bactericidal action. The bactericidal mechanism of cadexomer iodine is effective against
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Methicillin-resistant ''Staphylococcus aureus'' (MRSA) is a group of Gram-positive bacteria that are genetically distinct from other strains of ''Staphylococcus aureus''. MRSA is responsible for several difficult-to-treat infections in humans. ...
(MRSA) and may prevent MRSA proliferation in the wound bed.
This is especially significant because bacteria populations have shown no sign of developing a resistance to iodine since it was first used for wound treatment in the middle of the 19th century.
Uses
In addition to other manufacturers,
Smith & Nephew
Smith & Nephew plc, also known as Smith+Nephew, is a British multinational medical equipment manufacturing company headquartered in Watford, England. It is an international producer of advanced wound management products, arthroscopy products, ...
distributes cadexomer iodine as Iodosorb and Iodoflex in many countries of the world for the treatment and healing of various types of wounds. The dosage forms are a paste dressing, an ointment and a gel, all of which contain 0.9% iodine. It is available in India under brand name Cadomer and is sold by JB Chemicals.
See also
*
Antiseptic
An antiseptic (from Greek ἀντί ''anti'', "against" and σηπτικός ''sēptikos'', "putrefactive") is an antimicrobial substance or compound that is applied to living tissue/skin to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putre ...
*
Chlorhexidine
Chlorhexidine (CHX) (commonly known by the salt forms chlorhexidine gluconate and chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG) or chlorhexidine acetate) is a disinfectant and antiseptic that is used for skin disinfection before surgery and to sterilize surg ...
*
Iodophor
An iodophor is a preparation containing iodine complexed with a solubilizing agent, such as a surfactant or water-soluble polymers, for example, povidone (forming povidone-iodine). The result is a water-soluble material that releases free iodine ...
*
Inadine
*
Povidone-iodine
Povidone-iodine (PVP-I), also known as iodopovidone, is an antiseptic used for skin disinfection before and after surgery. It may be used both to disinfect the hands of healthcare providers and the skin of the person they are caring for. It may a ...
*
Lugol's iodine
Lugol's iodine, also known as aqueous iodine and strong iodine solution, is a solution of potassium iodide with iodine in water. It is a medication and disinfectant used for a number of purposes. Taken by mouth it is used to treat thyrotoxicosi ...
*
Tincture of iodine
Tincture of iodine, iodine tincture, or weak iodine solution is an antiseptic. It is usually 2 to 7% elemental iodine, along with potassium iodide or sodium iodide, dissolved in a mixture of ethanol and water. Tincture solutions are characterized ...
References
Iodine compounds
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