Summary
Pooled results favored 1% povidone-iodine for lowering oral viral load (cycle threshold mean difference 3.61). Cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine showed no significant effect.
Key points
- Pooled results showed 1% povidone-iodine mouthwash raised cycle-threshold values, indicating lower oral SARS-CoV-2 viral load (mean difference 3.61, 95% confidence interval 1.03 to 6.19).
- Cetylpyridinium chloride (mean difference 0.61) and chlorhexidine (mean difference -0.04) showed no significant effect.
- The authors judge the evidence insufficient for cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine.
- The outcome is viral load in the mouth, not infection or transmission.
- Design: systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 trials and quasi-experimental studies, chosen from 1,653 articles, searched to July 2022.
- Funding: none; no competing interests.