Frequently Asked Questions

iotadrops are cough drops/lozenges that contain iota carrageenan , a natural ingredient derived from red seaweed.

Recent scientific studies have shown that iota carrageenan kills cold, flu, and COVID viruses on contact. iotadrops help prevent colds and help you recover faster using all natural scientific ingredients. Learn more about the science .

Iota carrageenan is a natural sulfated polysaccharide extracted from red seaweed (Chondrus crispus).

It has been safely used in food and pharmaceutical products for decades. Recent scientific research has revealed its powerful antiviral properties against respiratory viruses including cold, flu, and COVID-19.

When you use an iotadrop, the iota carrageenan coats your throat and respiratory passages, creating a protective barrier. This barrier works through two mechanisms:

• Physical Barrier: Iota carrageenan is highly negatively-charged and attracts positively-charged viruses, trapping them before they can infect your cells.
• Viral Clearance: Your body's natural mucociliary clearance sweeps the trapped viruses to your stomach, where stomach acid destroys them.

This physical mechanism means viruses cannot develop resistance to it.

Iota carrageenan has FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status for consumption (21 CFR 172.620) and has been safely used in food and pharmaceutical products for decades.

iotadrops are sold as a dietary supplement. Like other dietary supplements, they do not require FDA approval before marketing, but they must comply with FDA regulations for safety and labeling.

Unlike traditional cough drops that only provide temporary symptom relief, iotadrops:

• Actually fight viruses: Scientifically proven to kill cold, flu, and COVID viruses on contact
• Prevent infection: Can reduce your risk of getting sick by up to 80% when used preventatively
• Speed recovery: Clinical studies show 1.8-2.1 days faster recovery from colds
• 100% natural: Made from red seaweed with no synthetic chemicals
• No resistance: Viruses cannot develop resistance to the physical mechanism

Yes! Multiple randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of iota carrageenan:

• 80% reduction in COVID-19 infections in healthcare workers (2021 study)
• 2.1 days faster recovery from common cold in adults (2013 study)
• 1.8 days faster recovery in children with colds (2012 study)
• Significant reduction in viral load in multiple studies

View all scientific studies and references →

Iota carrageenan has been proven effective against multiple respiratory viruses:

• SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
• Rhinoviruses (main cause of common cold)
• Coronaviruses (including common cold coronaviruses)
• Influenza A viruses (flu)

Because it works through a physical mechanism rather than targeting specific viral proteins, it's effective against multiple virus types.

No, viruses cannot develop resistance to iota carrageenan.

Unlike chemical antivirals that target specific viral proteins (which can mutate), iota carrageenan works through a physical mechanism—creating an electrostatic barrier that traps viruses. Viruses cannot evolve to escape this physical barrier, making it effective even as viruses mutate.

A 2021 clinical trial with healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients showed:

• 80% reduction in COVID-19 infections (1% infection rate vs 5% in placebo group)
• Relative risk reduction of 79.8% (statistically significant, p=0.03)

This demonstrates that regular use of iota carrageenan can significantly reduce your risk of viral respiratory infections. Iotadrops deliver this same proven ingredient in a convenient cough drop/lozenge form.

Clinical studies have shown:

• Adults: 2.1 days faster recovery from common cold
• Children: 1.8 days faster recovery (7.6 days vs 9.4 days)
• Viral clearance: 52% of children cleared viruses by day 5 vs only 32% in placebo group

The earlier you start using iotadrops after symptoms begin, the more effective they are.

Simply dissolve one iotadrop slowly in your mouth, allowing it to coat your throat and respiratory passages. Do not chew or swallow whole.

For best results:

• Let the lozenge dissolve slowly (10-15 minutes)
• Avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after use
• Use regularly throughout the day for prevention or treatment

For prevention: 2-3 iotadrops per day, especially during cold/flu season or when exposed to sick people

For treatment (when sick): 4-6 iotadrops per day, starting at the first sign of symptoms

For high-risk exposure: Up to 6 iotadrops per day (e.g., healthcare workers, traveling, caring for sick family members)

The clinical studies used 3-4 applications per day with excellent results.

For prevention: Start using iotadrops before you get sick, especially:

• During cold and flu season
• When traveling or in crowded places
• When family members or coworkers are sick
• Before and after high-risk exposure situations

For treatment: Start at the very first sign of symptoms (scratchy throat, runny nose, etc.). The earlier you start, the more effective they are.

Yes! Because iota carrageenan works through a physical mechanism and is not absorbed into the bloodstream, it does not interact with other medications.

You can safely use iotadrops alongside:

• Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
• Decongestants
• Antihistamines
• Prescription medications
• Other supplements

However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your healthcare provider.

You can use iotadrops as long as needed. In clinical trials, participants used iota carrageenan for several weeks to months with no safety concerns.

Many people use iotadrops:

• Seasonally: Throughout cold and flu season (fall/winter)
• As needed: When exposed to sick people or feeling symptoms
• Continuously: Healthcare workers and others at high risk use them daily

Yes! Clinical studies show that iota carrageenan is effective even after you're already sick:

• Reduces symptom severity and duration
• Speeds recovery by 1.8-2.1 days
• Reduces viral load in your respiratory passages
• May prevent secondary infections

However, they work best when started at the very first sign of symptoms.

Yes, iotadrops are very safe. Iota carrageenan has:

• FDA GRAS status: Generally Recognized As Safe for consumption
• Decades of use: Safely used in food and pharmaceutical products worldwide
• Clinical trial safety: No serious adverse events in any published clinical trial
• Non-systemic: Works locally; not absorbed into the bloodstream
• Natural origin: Derived from red seaweed

Side effects are very rare. In clinical trials involving hundreds of participants:

• Mild throat irritation (very rare)
• Temporary dry mouth (very rare)
• No serious adverse events reported

Overall tolerability was rated as "excellent" or "very good" by 88-94% of participants in clinical studies.

Yes! A 2012 clinical study specifically tested iota carrageenan in children ages 1-18 and found it to be:

• Safe and well-tolerated
• Effective (1.8 days faster recovery)
• Reduced secondary infections by 50%

Important: For children under 4, consult a pediatrician before use, as lozenges can be a choking hazard. Supervise young children when using iotadrops.

Iota carrageenan is a natural substance that has been safely consumed in foods for decades and is not absorbed into the bloodstream when used as a lozenge.

However, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider before using iotadrops if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as with any supplement or medication.

Seaweed allergy: If you have a known allergy to seaweed or carrageenan, do not use iotadrops.

Iodine allergy: While carrageenan is derived from seaweed, it does not contain significant amounts of iodine. However, if you have a severe iodine allergy, consult your doctor first.

Other considerations: There are no known contraindications, but consult your healthcare provider if you have specific health concerns.

Yes and no. Both are derived from red seaweed, but:

• Iota carrageenan is a specific type of carrageenan with proven antiviral properties
• Food-grade carrageenan is typically a mixture of different types (kappa, iota, lambda) used as a thickener

The iota form specifically has the molecular structure and charge that makes it effective against viruses. iotadrops use pharmaceutical-grade iota carrageenan specifically for its antiviral properties.

Iotadrops are currently available for pre-order as we complete manufacturing:

Pre-Order iotadrops Now →

We offer secure online pre-ordering with multiple payment options. Reserve your supply today!

Visit our pre-order page for current pricing and package options.

We offer:

• Single bottles for trying iotadrops
• Multi-bottle packages for better value
• Family packs for household protection

Currently, we ship within the United States. We are working on expanding international shipping options.

If you are located outside the US and interested in iotadrops, please contact us at support@iotadrop.com and we'll notify you when international shipping becomes available.

We process and ship orders within 1-2 business days.

Shipping times:

• Standard shipping: 5-7 business days
• Expedited shipping: 2-3 business days
• Express shipping: 1-2 business days

You will receive a tracking number via email once your order ships.

We stand behind the quality and effectiveness of iotadrops. If you're not satisfied with your purchase, we offer:

• 30-day money-back guarantee on unopened bottles
• Full refund of purchase price (excluding shipping)
• Easy return process

Contact us at support@iotadrop.com to initiate a return.

Store iotadrops in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Room temperature storage is fine.

• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
• Do not refrigerate
• Keep out of reach of children
• Check expiration date before use

Unopened bottles of iotadrops have a shelf life of 2 years from the manufacturing date. The expiration date is printed on each bottle.

Once opened, use within 6 months for best quality and effectiveness.