Iodoflex Cadexomer Iodine Dressings

When a chronic wound stalls under a heavy bacterial load or excess exudate, Iodoflex from Smith & Nephew gives clinicians a two-in-one answer: a cadexomer iodine paste dressing that absorbs drainage while releasing iodine steadily into the wound bed. It's designed for wet, sloughy, or infected wounds — venous leg ulcers, pressure injuries, diabetic foot ulcers, and other chronic wounds that need both antimicrobial action and moisture management at the same time.

The mechanism is what sets it apart from a standard antiseptic. Cadexomer beads swell as they take up exudate, and that absorption is what triggers the sustained, low-concentration release of iodine — so you get bactericidal coverage without the tissue toxicity associated with harsher antiseptics. The tan color of the paste also acts as a visual cue: when it turns from brown to yellow-gray, the iodine is spent and it's time to change the dressing.

Honest Medical carries Iodoflex in the two paste-on-gauze presentations wound care teams reach for most:

• Iodoflex 1.5 x 2-3/8 inch (6602133005), 5g — sized for smaller ulcers and confined wound beds.
• Iodoflex 2-1/8 x 3 inch (6602134010), 10g — a larger paste-and-gauze format for more extensive or higher-exudate wounds.

Both are sterile, single-use, and applied directly to a cleansed, moist wound before covering with a secondary dressing. A practical note for ordering: iodine dressings aren't for everyone — they're generally avoided in patients with known iodine sensitivity, thyroid disorders, or those who are pregnant, so confirm suitability before stocking for a specific case. Total iodine exposure over a treatment course is also worth tracking on larger wounds.

For teams building out a broader antimicrobial and exudate-management protocol, Iodoflex pairs naturally with other advanced options in our Wound Care collection.