More than 85% of sore throats are caused by viruses. Bacteria are the next most common type of germs that cause sore throats.

These viruses and bacteria can be passed on via direct contact (e.g. touch an object that has the virus on it), airborne transmission (e.g. when someone coughs or sneezes) and close personal contact (e.g. kissing).

A sore throat can be caused by different types of germs. Therefore, it is good to use a preparation that target different types and classes of germs.

The moment you feel an itch in your throat, it is always good to use an antiseptic gargle before the situation becomes more serious.

Viruses are tiny particles that rely on human or animal cells for their survival, so they cannot last very long outside the body. They cause illnesses by invading healthy cells and multiplying.

BETADINE^® Gargle has scientific research on its germ killing activity against germs that can cause sore throats. BETADINE^® Gargle kill germs. Individual response varies^*.

BETADINE^® Gargle kills germs that cause sore throats. Research has also shown that the povidone-iodine (PVPI) in BETADINE^® Gargle has killing effect against germs through gargling. Individual response varies.

Since most sore throats are caused by germs, there are steps that you can take to prevent getting an infection:

No, BETADINE^® Gargle does not stain the teeth. The natural brown colour is due to povidone-iodine, the active ingredient of BETADINE^® Gargle. The product retains the germ killing effect of iodine and it is generally non-staining.

Small amount may be swallowed during gargling. If accidentally swallowed in large amounts, consult your local doctor or pharmacist immediately.

BETADINE^® Gargle contains povidone-iodine that kills the germs that cause sore throats. Individual response condition varies^*.

If you have thyroid disorders, are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not use unless advised by healthcare professional.

Germs that cause sore throats can be passed on via direct contact (e.g. touching something that has the germs on it), airborne transmission (e.g. when someone coughs) and close personal contact (e.g. kissing).

The active ingredient in BETADINE^®, povidone-iodine, is naturally a golden brown colour. It will not stain your skin, fingernails or hair, although you can see where it’s been applied on the skin.

BETADINE™ COLD DEFENCE is an innovative treatment for early intervention and treatment of common cold and flu-like illness.

BETADINE™ COLD DEFENCE works by an antiviral effect. It traps and eliminates viruses, thereby have effects on symptom relief. Our studies have looked at total symptoms and we have demonstrated that BETADINE™ COLD DEFENCE will reduce the total symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, etc. when given as an early intervention for treatment of common cold and flu-like illness.

The recommendation is for up to 7 days.

The clinical trials have shown that BETADINE™ COLD DEFENCE is well-tolerated, with no nasal irritation, smell or taste. One of the key things is that the iota-carrageenan in the spray is not absorbed by the body, as it works through physical means, not medicinal pathways. It is a medical device.

Carrageenan is commonly found in food products and is generally recognised as safe. You have to remember there are three different types of carrageenan: iota, kappa and lambda. The BETADINE™ COLD DEFENCE spray only contains one type of carrageenan, which is the iota-carrageenan, and the iota-carrageenan is generally well tolerated.

You can continue to use the saline spray to remove crusting and wash the nose. But you should always use the BETADINE™ COLD DEFENCE after the saline spray, otherwise you are going to wash out the Cold Defence and reduce its efficacy. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have.

The concentration of BETADINE™ Cold Defence for adult and paediatric is 1.2 mg/ml. Whilst the concentration is the same for both adults and kids, the spray mechanism is designed to deliver a smaller volume for kids noses.

The spray comes in two formulations: the adult spray and the kid spray. The adult spray is 1 spray into each nostril 3 times per day. And for the kid spray, which delivers a smaller dose, it is 2 to 3 sprays into each nostril 3 times per day.

The antiviral effect in vivo, in human beings, the duration has not been measured, but we do k now that when BETADINE™ COLD DEFENCE is administered 3 times per days. It is effective in reducing severity of symptoms.