TOLERABILITY OF HALODINE ORAL AND NASAL ANTISEPTICS AS PART OF A SARS-COV-2 TRANSMISSION REDUCTION STRATEGY

Abstract

Background: ® Halodine oral and nasal antiseptics (Halodine LLC, Miami, FL USA) have been employed for routine oral and nasal decontamination as part of SARS-CoV-2 transmission reduction protocols.These preparations designed for the mouth and nose have been developed as oral sprays (1.25% povidone-iodine solution), oral rinses (1.75% povidoneiodine solution), nasal swabsticks (2.5% povidone-iodine solution), and nasal irrigation solutions (1.25% povidoneiodine solution). Methods: In a cross-sectional survey study, individuals who used any of the Halodine nasal or oral antiseptic products as part of a SARS-CoV-2 transmission reduction protocol were consented and invited to voluntarily complete a written questionnaire based on their practice and usage. Questions were derived from the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) to capture overall comfort and nasal symptomology.Results: There were 133 individuals ages 2-86 years who used Halodine in the forms of oral sprays,oral rinse,nasal swab-sticks,and nasal irrigation solutions for oral and nasal decontamination and volunteered to complete a satisfaction survey to assess tolerability. Decontamination was well tolerated; 99.2% of respondents reported no pain and 88.0% reported no nasal symptoms. Loss of taste, loss of smell, dizziness or blocked sinuses were not reported in any individuals. Three percent of respondents reported clearing of their sinuses.Halodine oral and/or nasal antiseptics were used two or more times per day in 94.7% of respondents.Discussion: Halodine for oral and nasal decontamination appears to be well tolerated for repeated daily use, even in individuals reporting 4 months or more of use. No individuals reported severe symptoms such as loss of taste, loss of smell, or dizziness. No pain was reported in 99.2% of individuals,while the remaining <1% reported very mild/minimal discomfort. Conclusion: These findings point to high tolerability of Halodine for repeated oral and nasal decontamination.