This document summarizes the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's response to a parliamentary question regarding the use of molecular iodine for disease prevention, including coronavirus infections. As of August 8, 2025, the government possesses data on povidone-iodine, a well-established antiseptic with microbicidal properties effective against previous beta coronaviruses. Scientific literature suggests potential benefits of povidone-iodine mouth rinses and nasal sprays in managing SARS-CoV-2, but these studies are limited by methodological weaknesses, specifically inadequate randomization and small sample sizes.
The Ministry acknowledges the risks associated with excessive systemic iodine intake, including thyroid dysfunction, mucosal irritation, metallic taste, and hypersensitivity reactions. Iodine antiseptics, like povidone-iodine, mitigate these risks through controlled topical application and appropriate dilution. Other established uses of iodine include thyroid gland protection against radioactive iodine, preoperative skin antisepsis, broad-spectrum antimicrobial action, and disinfection of water sources.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) reports that no applications for the import, manufacture, marketing, or clinical trials of molecular iodine for disease prevention, including coronavirus infections, have been received. Therefore, the government has not issued specific guidelines or approvals related to molecular iodine through agencies like CDSCO or the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: The Indian government ministry responsible for health policy in India.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India, where the question was raised.
Molecular Iodine: The substance that is the subject of the question, regarding its use in disease prevention.
Coronavirus Infections: A class of viral infections, specifically mentioned in the context of molecular iodine's potential use.
SARS-CoV-2: The virus that causes COVID-19, mentioned in the context of povidone-iodine's potential use.
Povidone Iodine: An antiseptic with microbicidal properties, used as a comparison to molecular iodine.
Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO): The national regulatory body for pharmaceuticals and medical devices in India.
ICMR: Likely refers to the Indian Council of Medical Research, the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research.
GOVERNMENTOFINDIA
MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE
DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH RESEARCH
LOK SABHA
UNSTARREDQUESTION NO. 3444
TOBE ANSWERED ON08TH AUGUST,2025
USEOFMOLECULAR IODINE
3444. DR. D RAVIKUMAR:
Willthe Ministerof HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFAREbe pleasedtostate:
(a) whether the Government has any data on the use of molecular iodine for prevention of diseases,
includingcoronavirusinfections, inthe countryandglobally;
(b) if so, the details of research, development and trials conducted in the country on molecular iodine
andevidenceregardingits efficacyinpreventionor treatment of diseases;
(c) whether any side effects, contraindications, or safety concerns have been identified in its use as per
clinicalor regulatory findingsandif so, the detailsthereof;
(d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to regulate the production, marketing, and
use of moleculariodine in the country; and
(e) whether any guidelines or approvals have been issued/proposed by agencies such as CDSCO or
ICMR andif so, the detailsthereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OFSTATE INTHE MINISTRYOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE
(SHRIPRATAPRAOJADHAV)
(a)to(e): Povidone Iodine has been a gold standard antiseptic for decades having microbicidal
properties with proven efficacy against the previously identified beta corona-viruses. As per the review of
scientific literature, few studies indicate the benefits of using povidone-iodine based mouth rinses and nasal
sprays in SARS-CoV-2 management. However, these studies also show inadequate randomization methods
and smaller samples. Broader iodine toxicology warns that excessive systemic iodine intake may disrupt
thyroid function and cause mucosal irritation, metallic taste, and hypersensitivity reactions. Iodine
antiseptics mitigate these risks by limiting systematic exposure through controlled topical application and
appropriate dilution.
Other uses of Iodine include protection of thyroid gland from the effect of radiation from radioactive form
of Iodine, preoperative skin antisepsis as Povidone-Iodine, broad spectrum of antimicrobial action against
bacteria, fungi, protozoa and several viruses, and use in disinfecting drinking water, swimming pool water
andwaste water.
It has been informed by Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) that no application has
been received for the import /manufacturing and marketing or clinical trials for the molecular iodine for
preventionof diseases, includingcoronavirus infections.
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