Source: Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (GB) Revision Year: 2021 Publisher: Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (UK) Limited, 103-105 Bath Road, Slough, SL1 3UH, United Kingdom
Pharmacotherapeutic Group: Quaternary ammonium compounds -benzalkonium;
ATC Code: D08AJ01
Benzalkonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound which has been used for many years as a surfactant and antiseptic/disinfectant. It is known to be bactericidal in low concentrations to a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Quaternary ammonium compounds such as benzalkonium chloride are only absorbed to a very small extent through human skin.
The low level of benzalkonium chloride in the product, coupled with its low level of absorption from intact and broken skin, make it unlikely that any significant systemic toxic effects would arise from its use. There is evidence that it can have an irritant effect on mucous membranes.
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