ATC Group: D08A Antiseptics and disinfectants

Benzoxonium is an antiseptic/disinfectant.

Boric Acid is a weakly acidic hydrate of boric oxide with mild antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral properties. The exact mechanism of action of boric acid is unknown; generally cytotoxic to all cells. It is used in the treatment of yeast infections and cold sores.

Cetrimide is a quaternary ammonium cationic disinfectant with bactericidal activity against gram-positive and some gram-negative organisms. Cetrimide is relatively ineffective against viruses.

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.

Chlorocresol has a disinfectant action.

Chloroxylenol is a substituted phenol which has been widely used for many years as an ingredient of antiseptic/disinfectant products intended for external use. It is known to be bactericidal in low concentration to a wide range of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria.

Dequalinum is an anti-infective and antiseptic agent belonging to the class of quaternary ammonium compounds. The primary mechanism of action is an increase in bacterial cell permeability and the subsequent loss of enzyme activity, finally resulting in cell death.

Dibrompropamidine is a member of the aromatic diamidine group of compounds, which possess bacteriostatic properties against a wide range of fungi and bacteria. These diamidines exert antibacterial action against pyrogenic cocci, antibiotic resistant staphylococci and some gram-negative bacilli. The activity of the diamidines is retained in the presence of organic matter such as pus and blood.

Ethanol is an organic compound used in medical wipes and most commonly in antibacterial hand sanitizer gels as an antiseptic for its bactericidal and anti-fungal effects. Ethanol kills microorganisms by dissolving their membrane lipid bilayer and denaturing their proteins, and is effective against most bacteria, fungi and viruses. Ethanol also blocks conduction in peripheral nerve by decreasing the maximal values of both the sodium and potassium conductances and has a depressant action on the vasomotor-centre.

Hydrogen peroxide is used as a disinfectant and deodorant. It releases oxygen when applied to tissues, the effect lasts only as long as the oxygen is being released and is of short duration. The antimicrobial effect of the liberated oxygen is reduced in the presence of organic matter.

Iodine is an essential trace element in the human diet, necessary for the formation of thyroid hormones and consequently it is used in iodine deficiency and thyroid disorders. It also has antimicrobial activity.

For the prophylaxis and treatment of iodine deficiency disorders it may be given as potassium or sodium iodide, iodised oil, or potassium iodate. In the pre-operative management of hyperthyroidism iodine and iodides are used with antithyroid drugs such as carbimazole, thiamazole, or propylthiouracil.

Iodine has a powerful bactericidal action. It is also active against fungi, viruses, protozoa, cysts, and spores. Iodine is used as an antiseptic and disinfectant generally as a 2% or 2.5% solution.

Polihexanide is a broad-spectrum antiseptic with excellent tolerance and a low-risk profile. The physicochemical action on the bacterial envelope prevents or impedes the development of resistant bacterial strains. Thus, polihexanide is particularly suitable and useful in the struggle against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Povidone iodine is an iodophore that has an established use as a broad-spectrum antiseptic, mainly for the treatment of contaminated wounds and for the preoperative preparation of the skin, mucous membranes and the ocular surface. The organic complex contains approximately 10% of active available iodine. Solutions of povidone iodine gradually release iodine to exert an antimicrobial effect against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and spores. Although povidone iodine is less potent than preparations containing free iodine, it is also less toxic.

Propamidine is a member of the aromatic diamidine group of compounds which possess bacteriostatic properties against a wide range of organisms. These diamidines exert antibacterial action against pyrogenic cocci, antibiotic resistant staphylococci and some Gram-negative bacilli, the activity of the diamidines being retained in the presence of organic matter such as tissue fluids, pus and serum.

Silver nitrate is used as a caustic, antiseptic, and astringent agent to remove unwanted tissue and destroy warts, verrucae and other small skin growths. The silver ion is precipitated by the chloride in tissue fluids, so that it does not readily penetrate.

Triclosan is a chlorinated bisphenol antiseptic. Triclosan is effective against Gram-positive and most Gram-negative bacteria.