Benzalkonium Chloride
Mechanism :
Benzalkonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium antiseptic and disinfectant. It is also used as an antimicrobial preservative for pharmaceutical products. It is also used for the disinfection of rigid contact lenses.
Indication :
- Antiseptic and disinfectant
Contraindications :
Incompatible with soaps and other anionic surfactants, citrates, iodides, nitrates, permanganates, salicylates, silver salts, tartrates, and zinc oxide and sulfate.
Dosing :
Topical application
Tincture of benzalkonium chloride 1: 750 is used for the preoperative disinfection of unbroken skin or treatment of superficial injuries.
For preoperative disinfection of mucous membranes and denuded skin, benzalkonium chloride solution in concentrations of 1: 10,000 to 1: 2,000 is used.
For irrigation of the eye, a solution of 1: 10,000 to 1: 5,000 is used.
For urinary bladder and urethral irrigation, a solution 1: 5,000 to 1: 20,000 is used.
For vaginal douche and irrigation, benzalkonium chloride solution 1: 5,000 to 1: 20,000.
Adverse Effect :
Repeated application may cause hypersensitivity reactions. May cause nausea and vomiting if ingested.
Interaction :
Disinfectants containing quaternary ammonium salts should not be used for skin preparation before injections of viscoelastic solutions. Hyaluronic acid will precipitate in the presence of these salts.
Hepatic Dose :
No dosage adjustments are recommended.