Benzalkonium chloride


Generic Medicine Info
Indications and Dosage
Topical/Cutaneous
Antiseptic and disinfectant
Adult: As soln: Cleansing of skin, mucous membrane and wounds: 0.01-0.1%. Irrigation of deep wounds: 0.005%. Irrigation of bladder and urethra: 0.005-0.02%. Retention lavage of the bladder: 0.0025-0.005%. Disinfection and storage of surgical instruments: 0.13%; may be used w/ Na nitrite to avoid corrosion. As preservative: 0.01%-0.02% (ophth preparation); 0.002-0.2% (nasal and otic preparation). As shampoo: Seborrhoeic dermatitis: 0.2-0.5%. As cream: Napkin rash and other dermatoses: 0.13%. As vaginal douche: 0.02-0.05%. Refer to product information for specific directions for use.
Incompatibility
Incompatible w/ soaps and other anionic surfactants, citrates, iodides, nitrates, permanganates, salicylates, silver salts, tartrates, zinc oxide and sulfate, Al, cotton dressings, fluorescein Na, hydrogen peroxide, hypromellose, kaolin, hydrous wool fat and some sulfonamides; some rubber mixes or plastics.
Contraindications
Use in occlusive dressings, casts and anal or vaginal packs.
Special Precautions
Not intended for washing and storing hydrophilic soft contact lenses.
Adverse Reactions
Hypersensitivity reactions. Damage to tear film and corneoconjunctival surface, conjunctivitis (long-term treatment w/ ophth preparations containing benzalkonium Cl as preservative).
Drug Interactions
Increased risk of corneal toxicity when used as preservative in anaesthetic eye drops.
Action
Description:
Mechanism of Action: Benzalkonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium antiseptic and disinfectant. It is active against bacteria and some viruses, fungi and protozoa. The exact mechanism of bactericidal action is unknown but is thought to be due to enzyme inactivation.
Storage
Store between 15-30°C.
MIMS Class
Skin Antiseptics & Disinfectants
ATC Classification
D08AJ01 - benzalkonium ; Belongs to the class of quaternary ammonium compound antiseptics. Used in the treatment of dermatological diseases.
References
Abridge Cold Sore Treatment (Ranir LLC). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/. Accessed 15/08/2016.

Benzalkonium chloride Antiseptic Swab (Tongzhou Ruihong Medical Products Factory). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/. Accessed 15/08/2016.

Benzalkonium chloride Liquid (Sani Products Inc.). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/. Accessed 15/08/2016.

Buckingham R (ed). Benzalkonium chloride. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 15/08/2016.

Joint Formulary Committee. Benzalkonium chloride. British National Formulary [online]. London. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 15/08/2016.

McEvoy GK, Snow EK, Miller J et al (eds). Benzalkonium chloride (Topical). AHFS Drug Information (AHFS DI) [online]. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 15/08/2016.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Benzalkonium chloride from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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