Dequadin Mechanism of Action

Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Dequalinium Chloride BP is a quarternary ammonium compound whose major site of action appears to be the cell membrane, where the agent cause changes in membrane permeability.
Pharmacokinetics: Being a quaternary ammonium compound, it is bactericidal in-vitro in low concentrations against a wide variety of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria; the gram-positive microorganisms are the most sensitive. Many fungi and viruses are susceptible. Borrelia vincenti, candida albicans and some species of Trichophyton are susceptible.
Quaternary ammonium compounds are detergents as well as sanitizers, and they have been employed as all-purpose antiseptics for application to skin, tissue and mucous membranes and as disinfectants for medical and surgical materials.
As an antiseptic, these substances are relatively ono-irritating to tissue in effective concentrations. They have a rapid onset of action. They wet and penetrate tissue surfaces and possess detergent, keratolytic, and emulsifying actions. They have relatively low systemic toxicity.
Dequalinium chloride BP is used in the form of lozenges in the treatment of infections of the mouth and throat.