What are the Different Types of Antiseptics, Mode of Actions and Uses

•               Different Types of Antiseptics, Mode of Actions and Uses

•                        Ethanol

Ø   Mode of action:

v   Has a bactericidal action against most vegetative organisms at a concentration of 60% and 95%, but is not effective against bacterial spores

Ø   Therapeutic uses

v   Evaporating lotion used for hand and skin cleaning

v   Surgical treatment for various skin lesions

v   Prevention of bedsores and diminishing sweating (reduce temperature)

v   Used as solvent in different pharmaceutical preparations

v   A concentration of 70% either alone or with chlorohexidine or iodine for disinfection of skin before surgical procedures

q   Chlorhexidine

Ø   Mode of action:

ü   An antiseptic which is effective against a wide range of vegetative gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, although it has no activity against acid fast bacteria, bacterial spores and some viruses

Ø   Therapeutic Uses

ü   Chlorohexidine is used in disinfectant solutions, creams, gels and lozenges

ü   It is also used in various concentrations for disinfection in the following conditions:

•                         0.5% in 70% ethanol for the preoperative disinfection of the skin

•                         Chlorhexidine 0.05% solution in glycerine for urethral irrigation and catheter lubrication

•                        Chlorhexidine 0.02% solution for bladder irrigation

•                        Chlorhexidine 1% cream for use in obstetrics

•                        Chlorhexidine 0.01% as the diacetate for preservation of eye drops

q   Cetrimide

Ø   Mode of action:

ü   A quaternary ammonium disinfectant that has bacterial activity against both grampositive and gram-negative organisms

Ø   Therapeutic Uses

ü   Cetrimide 0.5% solution for preoperative skin disinfection

ü   Cetrimide 0.05% to 1% is used for the cleansing of polythene tubing and catheters, but time of immersion should not exceed 30 minutes

ü   Cetrimide in higher concentrations of 15 to 35 is used in shampoos to remove scales in seborrhoea

ü   Cetrimide 1.5% with chlorhexidine gluconate 0.15% is often used as a general purpose disinfectant

q   Povidone Iodine

Ø   Mode of action:

ü   Acts by inhibiting enzymes essential to microbial metabolism

ü   It kills on contact a broad spectrum of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and yeasts

Ø   Therapeutic uses:

ü   Skin antiseptics and germicidal skin cleansers

ü   Disinfectant for wounds, abrasions and insect bites

ü   Medicated spray for wounds

ü   Antidandruff shampoos

ü   Medicated adhesive plasters

ü   Gargles and throat lozenges

ü   Vaginal gels and douches