Betadine: an iodine antiseptic

Povidone-iodine (Betadine - Berk) is an iodine-polyvinyl pyrrolidone (povidone; PVP) complex that dissociates slowly to yield iodine. The antiseptic properties of this complex depend solely on the release of iodine. Unlike solutions of iodine, povidone-iodine solutions do not stain the skin.