Guide 4
Inadine Dressing – Uses, How to Use and Where to Buy
Inadine is a low adherent povidone iodine dressing used for minor wounds that are infected or at risk of infection. It is applied on a clean wound and covered with a suitable secondary dressing. The dressing should generally be changed when the iodine colour fades, according to clinical advice and the product instructions.
What is Inadine, and what is it used for?
Inadine is a low-adherent wound dressing containing povidone iodine, an antiseptic that helps reduce bacteria on the wound surface. Its knitted fabric structure allows the dressing to sit gently over the wound while helping minimise adherence to newly formed tissue.
Healthcare professionals may use Inadine for minor wounds where infection is present or there is an increased risk of infection. Depending on the wound and clinical assessment, applications may include minor burns, abrasions, leg ulcers, and pressure injuries.
Inadine should be used according to the current product instructions and clinical wound-care plan; prolonged use requires appropriate clinical review. The choice of dressing should take into account the type of wound, level of exudate, surrounding skin, and the individual's overall care needs.
How do you apply an Inadine dressing?
Before using Inadine, you should have the dressing, an appropriate secondary absorbent dressing, fixation tape, saline or clean water, gloves, and a suitable waste bag. Always follow the instructions on the product and any instructions given by your healthcare professional.
1. Clean the wound
Wash your hands. Wear clean gloves. Clean the wound with saline or clean water as directed by your healthcare professional. Gently dry the area around the wound.
2. Apply the Inadine dressing
Apply Inadine to the wound. Use the size recommended for the wound and cut or size the dressing as per the manufacturer's instructions to place over the wound.
3. Cover with secondary dressing
Cover the Inadine with an appropriate absorbent secondary dressing. Fix it with appropriate fixation tape or another recommended method.
4. Disposal of used material
Dispose of used dressings and other waste according to local requirements. Wash your hands after completing the dressing change and record the date if required as part of the care plan.
How long should Inadine stay on a wound?
The colour of the Inadine dressing can help indicate when it needs to be changed. A fresh dressing has an orange-brown appearance; as the colour fades, antiseptic efficacy is being lost. The manufacturer advises changing the dressing when the colour has faded/turned white. In the initial phase, or with highly infected or heavily exuding wounds, it may need changing up to twice daily. Follow the current instructions for use and clinical advice.
When should you not use Inadine?
Inadine is not suitable for everyone. Current instructions include contraindications and precautions relating to iodine hypersensitivity, radioiodine treatment, thyroid disease, severe renal impairment, pregnancy/breastfeeding and other listed conditions. Check the current product instructions and use under appropriate medical supervision.
Deep ulcerative wounds, burns or large injuries require particular caution and clinical supervision when Inadine is considered. Suitability depends on the wound and the individual's circumstances. If you are unsure whether Inadine is appropriate, speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist before use.
Always check the current product instructions for the complete list of warnings, precautions, and contraindications.
How does Inadine compare with other dressings?
| Dressing | What it is | When it may be considered |
|---|---|---|
| Inadine | Povidone iodine, low-adherent dressing | Minor infected or infection-risk wounds |
| Iodosorb | Cadexomer iodine dressing | Wounds with slough or higher levels of exudate, where clinically appropriate |
| Acticoat / Aquacel Ag | Silver-containing antimicrobial dressings | Selected wounds where an antimicrobial dressing is appropriate |
| Jelonet | Paraffin gauze dressing without an antiseptic | Suitable clean wounds where a non-antimicrobial low-adherent dressing is required |
The most appropriate dressing depends on the wound assessment, exudate level, infection status, surrounding skin, and the treatment plan. For more guidance, see our Wound Dressing Selection Guide.
Where can you buy Inadine in Australia?
Joya Medical Supplies stocks Inadine povidone iodine dressings in available pack sizes for customers across Australia. Inadine can be ordered as part of a range of wound care and medical consumable requirements.
If you are purchasing wound care products through a funding program, check the relevant funding rules and your individual plan or speak with your support coordinator or healthcare professional to confirm eligibility before ordering.
Shop Inadine at Joya Medical Supplies
Browse Inadine dressings and related wound care products at Joya Medical Supplies. You can also explore complementary wound care essentials, including secondary dressings and medical tapes, to help meet different dressing and fixation requirements.
Shop our wound care range online and find trusted medical consumables for healthcare, aged care, community care and home care settings across Australia.
FAQ
- Is Inadine an antibiotic?
- No. Inadine is an antiseptic dressing, not an antibiotic. The povidone iodine helps reduce bacteria on the wound surface. It should not be considered a replacement for antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional.
- What does Inadine do to a wound?
- Inadine releases povidone iodine at the wound surface to help reduce bacteria. Its low-adherent construction is designed to help protect the wound while helping to minimise adherence to the wound surface and support more comfortable dressing removal.
- Does Inadine sting?
- Some people may experience a mild stinging sensation when Inadine is first applied. If pain continues, becomes severe, or is accompanied by increasing redness, swelling, or other changes to the wound, seek advice from a healthcare professional.
- What colour should Inadine be when you change it?
- A new Inadine dressing is orange-brown. As the iodine is released, the colour gradually fades. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and your healthcare professional's advice regarding when the dressing should be replaced.
- Can I buy Inadine with NDIS funding or CAPS?
- To be eligible for funding, you need to meet the funding rules of the relevant program and your individual circumstances. Check the current NDIS or aged-care funding requirements before you order, or talk to your plan manager, support coordinator or healthcare professional if you need help confirming eligibility.