Chemical formula: C₂H₆O Molecular mass: 46.068 g/mol PubChem compound: 702
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.
This medicinal substance has been classified in the anatomical therapeutic chemical (ATC) classification according to its main therapeutic use as follows:
| ATC code | Group title | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| D08AX08 | Ethanol | D Dermatologicals → D08 Antiseptics and disinfectants → D08A Antiseptics and disinfectants → D08AX Other antiseptics and disinfectants |
| V03AB16 | Ethanol | V Various → V03 All other therapeutic products → V03A All other therapeutic products → V03AB Antidotes |
| V03AZ01 | Ethanol | V Various → V03 All other therapeutic products → V03A All other therapeutic products → V03AZ Nerve depressants |
Competent medicine agencies globally have authorized commercialization of this active ingredient according to these medication package inserts (MPIs):
| Title | Information Source | Document Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEHYDRATED ALCOHOL Solution for injection | Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (GB) | MPI, EU: SmPC |
Ethanol is an active ingredient of these brands:
Austria (AT)
Canada (CA)
Finland (FI)
France (FR)
Japan (JP)New Zealand (NZ)
Spain (ES)
Note the following: The list of brand names is continuously updated, and thus does not include the total of products circulating worldwide. |
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