Novel iodophor composition and methods of use

A topical gel composition comprising

• 0.1% to 10% povidone-iodine (PVP-I);
• 30% to 99% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO);
• and
• 1% to 10% gelling agent;
• wherein said topical gel composition exhibits greater efficacy or stability for treating skin or eye infection, compared to a liquid composition substantially free of a gelling agent and comprising 0.1% to 10% povidone-iodine and 30% to 99% DMSO.

A stable, topical ophthalmic gel composition comprising

• 0.1% to 5% povidone-iodine (PVP-I);
• 30% to 99% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO);
• 1% to 5% gelling agent;
• wherein, each ingredient in the composition is ophthalmically acceptable, and said ophthalmic gel composition exhibits greater efficacy or stability for treating infectious conditions of the eye or eyelid, compared to a liquid composition substantially free of a gelling agent and comprising 0.1% to 10% povidone-iodine and 30% to 99% DMSO.

A method of treating an infection of the skin, eye, or eyelid, said method comprising the step of:

• applying to a site of the infection as needed to reduce or eliminate the infection, an effective amount of a topical gel composition comprising
• 0.1% to 10% povidone-iodine (PVP-I);
• 30% to 99% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO);
• and
• 1% to 10% gelling agent;
• wherein said topical gel composition exhibits greater efficacy or stability for treating skin or eye infection, compared to a liquid composition substantially free of a gelling agent and comprising 0.1% to 10% povidone-iodine and 30% to 99% DMSO.