ATC Group: B05C Irrigating solutions

Cetylpyridinium is an antiseptic with activity against both gram positive and gram negative organisms.

Chlorhexidine is an antimicrobial agent, active against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, yeasts, fungi, opportunistic anaerobes and aerobes. Chlorhexidine is mainly a “membrane-acting” agent that destroys the outer membrane of the bacteria. It is inactive on bacterial spores unless the temperatures are high.

Glucose is frequently used in both adults and children to restore blood glucose concentrations in the treatment of hypoglycaemia resulting from insulin excess or from other causes. The metabolism of glucose is an energy source for the body.

Mannitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol used clinically primarily for its osmotic diuretic properties.

Neomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic and acts by binding to polysomes, inhibiting protein synthesis and generating errors in the transcription of the genetic code.

Sodium bicarbonate has antacid properties. Sodium bicarbonate causes neutralisation of gastric acid with the production of carbon dioxide.

Sodium chloride is the principle salt involved in maintaining the osmotic tension of blood and tissues. Changes in osmotic tension influence the movement of fluids and diffusion of salts in cellular tissue.

Sodium citrate has no relevant pharmacodynamic activity other than that caused by its alkalinity (e.g. its gastric acid neutralising capacity). Sodium citrate is a non-particulate antacid for use by mouth to prior to general anaesthesia for caesarean section.

Taurolidine inhibits the formation of postoperative peritoneal adhesions, and in vitro has been shown to reduce the adherence of micro-organisms to mucosal epithelium. The chemical mode of action of taurolidine via its reactive methylol groups confers greater potency in vivo than indicated by in vitro MIC values, and also appears to preclude susceptibility to resistance mechanisms.