Can Betadine and erythromycin ointment be used together?

Generally, povidone-iodine and erythromycin ointment can be used together. Medication use should be guided by a physician. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Povidone-iodine is primarily used for disinfection and sterilization. It has broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and can effectively kill various bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is a commonly used disinfectant in daily life. Erythromycin ointment, on the other hand, belongs to the macrolide class of antibiotics and is mainly used to treat mild, small-area burns, ulcers, and other skin infections caused by Gram-positive cocci. The mechanisms of action of these two agents are different, and their concurrent use does not cause conflicts. Instead, they can work synergistically to achieve better therapeutic effects.

In actual use, povidone-iodine is typically applied first to clean and disinfect the wound, effectively removing surface dirt, secretions, and potentially present bacteria. After the povidone-iodine has dried, erythromycin ointment can then be applied. This sequence of application allows povidone-iodine to exert its disinfecting effect fully while avoiding any impact on the efficacy of erythromycin ointment. The erythromycin ointment then further exerts its antibacterial and protective effects on the disinfected wound.

Prior to using povidone-iodine and erythromycin ointment, appropriate wound management is necessary. If the wound contains significant dirt or foreign matter, it should first be thoroughly rinsed with normal saline before disinfection with povidone-iodine.