I accidentally swallowed a small amount of Betadine gargle while rinsing. Should I be worried?

Dear Reader,

Don’t worry, swallowing a small amount of Betadine Gargle by accident is usually not harmful, especially if it was just a small sip while rinsing. It happens to many people and rarely causes any serious issues.

Betadine Gargle contains povidone-iodine, which is meant for external use only. A small accidental swallow might cause a slight burning sensation in the throat or mild stomach upset, but it’s usually not dangerous if it’s a one-time incident.

Here’s what you can do now:

• Drink a full glass of water or milk to help dilute it and reduce irritation in your stomach or throat.
• Avoid eating or drinking anything acidic (like citrus juice) for a few hours.
• If you feel nauseous, stomach pain, vomiting, or throat irritation later, contact your doctor for advice, though these symptoms are uncommon after a small accidental swallow.

You only need to worry if you accidentally consume a large amount or feel unwell afterward, in which case medical attention is needed.

In short, a tiny accidental swallow is usually harmless, and drinking some water or milk should help. Try to be careful next time while gargling, and always spit out the solution completely.

Wishing you good health.