Are iodine and betadine the same thing?

Iodine and Betadine are not the same thing, though they are related. Iodine is a chemical element, while Betadine is a brand name for a topical antiseptic solution that contains povidone-iodine, a complex of iodine and a polymer. Betadine releases iodine when applied, which helps to disinfect and prevent infection. Thus, while Betadine contains iodine, it is not pure iodine itself.