The study aims to determine the safety and efficacy of povidone-iodine (PVP-I) containing nasal sprays as compared to isotonic saline nasal sprays in COVID-19 positive patients. The primary outcome measure is SARS-CoV-2 viral titers in the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. In vitro studies have shown PVP-I to be highly virucidal against the viruses which cause SARS and MERS. Additionally, clinical studies have shown PVP-I saline sprays to be well tolerated in human subjects. PVP-I oral rinses and sprays have been trialed as methods to reduce the incidence and symptoms of viruses which cause the "common cold."
Drug: Povidone-Iodine 2%
Two sprays to each nare of PVP-I 2% via nasal spray bottle, four times a day
Drug: Povidone-Iodine 0.5%
Two sprays to each nare of PVP-I 0.5% via nasal spray bottle, four times a day
Drug: Isotonic saline 0.9%
Two sprays to each nare of isotonic saline (0.9% NaCl) via nasal spray bottle, four times a day
Inclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosis of COVID-19 by lab test within 5 days of study participation
Exclusion Criteria:
- Allergy to "iodine," shellfish, or food dye
- Receiving intranasal steroids
- Sinus surgery within 30 days of beginning the study
- Intubated at the time of enrollment
- Pregnancy
- Participation in other COVID-19 studies - to be determined on a case by case basis
Stanford Health Care
Stanford, California, United States