
To determine the effect of povidone‐iodine (PVP‐I) nasal sprays on nasopharyngeal (NP) viral load as assessed by cycle threshold on quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) of SARS‐CoV‐2 in outpatients. Participants were randomized within 5 days of testing positive for COVID‐19 to receive nasal sprays containing either placebo (0.9% saline), 0.5% PVP‐I, or 2.0% PVP‐I. NP swabs for qPCR analysis were taken at baseline, 1‐hour post‐PVP‐I spray (2 sprays/nostril), and 3 days post‐PVP‐I spray (20 sprays/nostril). Symptom and adverse event questionnaires were completed at baseline, day 3, and day 5. University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Tests (UPSIT) were completed at baseline and day 30. Mean cycle threshold (Ct) values increased over time in all groups, indicating declining viral loads, with no statistically significant difference noted in the rate of change between placebo and PVP‐I groups...
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