Povidone-Iodine Nasal Sprays Are a Game-Changer for Colds and Respiratory Infections

As someone passionate about health and wellness, I’m thrilled to share why povidone-iodine nasal sprays are a smart, science-backed tool for daily nasal hygiene and for preventing and treating the common cold and other respiratory infections. These sprays are easy to use, safe, and target viruses right where they start—in your nose. Let’s explore why these sprays make sense and review the main povidone-iodine nasal sprays on the US market. Among the options, Nasodine® Nasal Spray stands out for its robust research, proven results, and user-friendly design.

Why your nose is ground zero for respiratory infections

Colds, flu, and other respiratory infections mostly begin in your nasal passages. Viruses like rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and influenza virus enter through your nose when you inhale airborne droplets from a sneeze or touch a contaminated surface and then your face. Once inside the nose, these viruses attach to nasal cells, multiply, and spread, causing symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, and congestion for up to a week.

The good news? Your nose is an ideal place to fight back.  By targeting viruses or other germs at their entry point, you can potentially stop infections before they start or at least reduce their severity. Until recently, there was nothing you could do to stop viruses in the nose, but now there are povidone-iodine nasal sprays that are designed to do just that.

What is povidone-iodine, and why does it work?

Povidone-iodine (also known as PVP-I) is a trusted antiseptic used for decades in medical settings to kill germs on skin, wounds, and burns in hospitals. It releases iodine, which is deadly to viruses (and bacteria) but safe for humans when used properly. In nasal sprays, povidone-iodine can:

• Kills viruses quickly: Research shows it can inactivate viruses like those causing colds and flu in seconds. Lab studies confirm it reduces the infectivity of coronaviruses by up to 99.99% in under a minute.
• Reduce viral load: By lowering the number of infectious viruses in your nose, it can prevent infections from starting, or if they are started, from spreading deeper or to others.

PVP-I is safe for nasal use. At low concentrations (0.5% to 1%) and with the right formulation, it’s gentle on nasal tissues, with minimal irritation and no impact on smell or other safety concerns.

This makes povidone-iodine nasal sprays ideal for prevention (e.g., before attending a crowded public event) and early treatment (at the first sign of symptoms), as well as for early treatment.

Benefits of povidone-iodine nasal sprays

Using a povidone-iodine nasal spray offers several advantages:

• Prevention power: Spraying your nose before exposure to viruses creates a protective antimicrobial barrier that can kill pathogens.
• Early intervention: Using the spray at the first sign of a cold may stop an infection in its tracks or at least reduce symptom severity.
• Broad-spectrum action: It works against all viruses that are known to cause colds and flu.
• User-friendly: These sprays are portable, don’t require a prescription, and are easy to carry for on-the-go protection.
• Low risk: Side effects are usually limited to mild, temporary nasal irritation, and the sprays are safe for most people (consult a doctor if you have thyroid issues or are pregnant).

A quick look at povidone-iodine nasal sprays in the US market

Several povidone-iodine nasal sprays are available in the US, but not all are created equal. Most emerged after 2020 in response to COVID-19, with limited clinical research or development history. Here’s a review of the main players:

Nasodine® Nasal Spray (0.5% povidone-iodine) 25 mL

Nasodine is the gold standard in PVP-I nasal sprays, backed by over 10 years of research and development by Firebrick Pharma, a biotech company dedicated to innovative antiviral solutions. It uses a 0.5% concentration, which is around the optimum concentration of PVP-I for killing viruses and is sufficiently low to avoid any safety concerns. A Phase I trial showed that even at its maximum recommended dose of four sprays per nostril, the amount of iodine absorbed from using Nasodine was not clinically significant.  One Phase II trial showed it eliminated SARS-CoV-2 within a minute, and a second Phase II clinical trial showed that Nasodine significantly reduced viral shedding in COVID-19 patients, suggesting it can limit transmission. Its safety is supported by multiple independently-controlled human clinical trials, and a growing list of peer-reviewed publications – just search for “nasodine” on Google Scholar. Unlike competitors, Nasodine is a sleek, pre-assembled bottle and pump design that is ready to use straight out of the pack, with no inconvenient assembly needed. Why it stands out: Proven safety and efficacy, gentle formulation, 10 years of R&D, robust clinical trial data, and a convenient pre-assembled design make it the top choice.

Viraldine (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% PVP-I) Nasal Spray 30 mL

Launched in 2020, Viraldine is marketed for a variety of uses, including congestion, sinusitis, cold and flu, and allergies. It is sold in three concentrations: 0.5% nasal spray for children and 1.0% and 1.5% for adults. However, it lacks any published clinical trial data or peer-reviewed publications, and the potential safety issues associated with the higher 1.0% and 1.5% concentrations are unknown, notably in relation to iodine absorption. It is supplied as a solution in a glass bottle with a separate spray pump, requiring assembly. 

ImmuneMist Nasal Cleanse 30 mL

ImmuneMist, another product introduced in the wake of COVID-19, is marketed as a nasal cleanser to keep the nasal passages clear of pathogens and reduce viral load. It emphasizes portability. ImmuneMist has the distinct advantage of being promoted by Dr Peter McCullough of the Wellness Company. Specific PVP-I concentration in the product is not stated on the package, and it lacks published clinical trials or peer-reviewed studies. It is supplied as a solution in a glass bottle with a separate spray pump, requiring assembly. 

Epothex Povidone Iodine Nasal Spray 30 mL

EPOTHEX offers a 0.6% and 1.0% PVP-I nasal spray, promoted as a nasal cleanser to reduce airborne contaminants. Users report it helps clear sinuses and ease cold symptoms, and it claims to be pharmacist-developed with quality ingredients. However, some note bottle leakage issues, and like most of the market players, it lacks clinical research or publications. While its packaging details are less clear, it’s a post-2020 product with no extensive development history. 

CofixRx Nasal Cleanse 10 mL

CofixRx has the advantage of being available through some retail pharmacies and offers free shipping on bulk orders. It is marketed as a nasal cleanser to support nasal hygiene. The concentration of PVP-I in the product is not stated on the pack but according to some online sources it contains 1.25% PVP-I (https://www.clinicalcompound.com/cofixrx/). It has no published clinical trial support or peer-reviewed published research on its safety or efficacy. Like many of the PVP-I nasal sprays, it requires assembly of the pump and liquid bottle prior to use. It is similarly priced to other PVP-I nasal sprays, making it expensive considering the 10 mL bottle size, compared to 25-30 mL for other nasal sprays.

Why Nasodine is the top choice

Nasodine’s unique advantages make it the standout option. Its 0.5% povidone-iodine formula is scientifically optimized for efficacy and safety, while other nasal sprays offer clinically unproven formulations and, in some cases, very high PVP-I concentrations. Nasodine is backed by 10 years of R&D and supported by multiple independently-controlled human clinical trials that confirm its safety. A growing list of peer-reviewed publications underscores its credibility. Unlike most competitors, Nasodine is a sleek, pre-assembled design, so it’s ready to use straight out of the pack—no messy assembly. This convenience, combined with its rigorous development, makes Nasodine the PVP-I nasal spray of choice.

How to use Nasodine

• For prevention: Apply 1-2 sprays per nostril up to 4 times daily, especially when in high-risk settings like airports or crowds or when people nearby have symptoms.
• For treatment: At the first sign of a cold, apply 3-4 sprays per nostril 4 times daily.
• Tips: Aim the nozzle slightly upward, and inhale as you spray. Clean the nozzle after use for hygiene.
• Precautions: Avoid if allergic to povidone-iodine, and if you have a thyroid condition, or are pregnant ask a doctor before using a PVP-I nasal spray. 

The bottom line

Povidone-iodine nasal sprays are a new, simple, science-backed way to combat colds and respiratory infections at their source. While many brands emerged post-2020, Nasodine Nasal Spray leads with its 10-year R&D history, multiple clinical trials, growing peer-reviewed publications, and convenient pre-assembled design. Whether you’re preventing a cold or tackling one early, Nasodine’s proven efficacy, safety, and ease of use make it the smart choice.

Stay healthy, and keep those germs at bay!

Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment. Statements about Nasodine and other products are based on available research and have not been evaluated by the FDA for diagnosing, treating, curing, or preventing any disease.