Povidone iodine in Tanzania: NEMLIT level, who can prescribe it and STG references

Povidone iodine is on Tanzania's National Essential Medicines List (NEMLIT, 7th edition, 2026) at levels A and D, from level A (dispensary). It is not on the DukaDawa pharmacy network yet, so we show no brands or prices for it. The Standard Treatment Guidelines mention it in 8 or more sections.

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Is povidone iodine available on the DukaDawa pharmacy network?

Not yet. Povidone iodine is not in the DukaDawa network catalogue, so we have no brands, prices or stock for it.

Prescribers can still write it on a DukadawaRx prescription, and we show it here as soon as a network pharmacy lists it.

Is povidone iodine on the NEMLIT, and who can prescribe it?

Yes. Povidone iodine is on Tanzania's National Essential Medicines List (NEMLIT, 7th edition, 2026) at levels A and D, from level A (dispensary). At level A it may be prescribed by specialists, medical officers, dental officers, assistant medical officers, clinical officers and assistant clinical officers.

Level
A (dispensary), D (regional referral hospital)
Category
Anti-infective Medicines (Dermatological Medicines)
Listed forms
Solution: 10% Eye drops: 1.25%, 2.5%, 5%; Eye drops, 2.5-5%; Mouthwash: 0.5%, 1%
Page
NEMLIT, p. 20
Who may prescribe at each NEMLIT level (STG/NEMLIT 7th edition, Part I, Table 1). Levels listed for this medicine are highlighted.
LevelFacilityWho may prescribe
A (listed)DispensarySpecialist, Medical Officer, Dental Officer, Assistant Medical Officer, Clinical Officer, Assistant Clinical Officer
BHealth centreSpecialist, Medical Officer, Dental Officer, Assistant Medical Officer, Clinical Officer
CCouncil or district hospitalSpecialist, Medical Officer, Dental Officer, Assistant Medical Officer
D (listed)Regional referral hospitalSpecialist, Medical Officer, Dental Officer
SZonal, special and national hospitalsSpecialist

A medicine is listed from the lowest facility level where it should be available.

Where is povidone iodine in the Standard Treatment Guidelines?

The Standard Treatment Guidelines (7th edition, 2026) mention povidone iodine in 8 or more sections, most often section 4.2.3 Viral Infections > Rabies (p. 107). See the STG for treatment details.

  • 4.2.3 Viral Infections > Rabies, p. 107
  • 14.1.2 Major Blinding Eye Diseases > Cataract, p. 333
  • 14.2.4.4 Painful Red Eyes > Conjunctivitis > Ophthalmia Neonatorum/Neonatal Conjunctivitis, p. 356
  • 15.9 Speech Disorders, p. 399
  • 16.9 Impacted tooth/teeth, p. 405
  • 16.10.2 Post Extraction Complications > Infected Socket, p. 407
  • 16.16 Epulis Fissuratum (Denture-Induced Hyperplasia), p. 409
  • 16.17.2 Gingival and Periodontal Conditions > Chronic gingivitis, p. 410

Sections that mention Povidone iodine, most mentions first. Positions only: see the STG for treatment details.

All anti-infective medicines on the NEMLIT

Sources

  • Standard Treatment Guidelines and National Essential Medicines List (STG/NEMLIT), 7th edition, 2026, Ministry of Health, United Republic of Tanzania

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STG positions are section numbers and printed page numbers only.

This page supports licensed prescribers and pharmacists. It is not medical advice and does not replace the Standard Treatment Guidelines, the product information or professional judgement. Prices and stock change often: confirm with the pharmacy.

For licensed prescribers and pharmacists. Not medical advice. Check the Standard Treatment Guidelines before prescribing.