Antiseptics
Generic Name
Triclosan
Formulations
Deodorants, toothpaste, mouth rinse, hand wash
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes
Indication / Spectrum of Activity
S. aureus and S. epidermidis, (incl MRSA, MRSE), Klebsiella, and E. coli
Side Effects
- Irritation
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis
Other
- Repeated exposure leads to increased risk of bacterial resistance (S. aureus and E. coli)
- FDA banned triclosan in Products OTC (in healthcare setting), but still available for the public
Generic Name
Chlorhexidine
Formulations
Surgical scrub, Hibiclens, liquid hand cleansers, toothpastes, contact lens care products
Mechanism of Action
* For further reading/details: refer to a pharmacology book
Indication / Spectrum of Activity
Broad spectrum including bacterial (Staphylococcus spp, Pseudomonas, anaerobes), viral and fungal
Side Effects
- Ocular irritation (conjunctivitis, corneal ulceration)
- Allergic contact dermatitis (rare, higher in children with atopy)
- Anaphylaxis
- Ototoxicity (drops) if it gets in ear
Other
- Used to reduce rate of recurrence of S. aureus pyodermas and furunculosis in immunocompetent host
- Pre-operative cleansing (better than Povidone-iodine in preventing wound infections)
Generic Name
Hexachlorophene
Mechanism of Action
* For further reading/details: refer to a pharmacology book
Indication / Spectrum of Activity
Gram positive cocci
Side Effects
- Teratogenic
- Neurotoxic
Other
* For further reading/details: refer to a pharmacology book
Generic Name
Povidone Iodine
Formulations
- Surgical scrub, active ingredient in Betadine solution
Mechanism of Action
* For further reading/details: refer to a pharmacology book
Indication / Spectrum of Activity
- Broad spectrum against bacteria and fungi
Side Effects
- Irritant contact dermatitis (can resemble vasculitis and TEN)
- allergic contact dermatitis
- chronic maternal use associated with hypothyroidism in newborn
Other
- Fast acting, effective only if dry (body liquid will inactivate), stains fabric, cross reaction with iodine
Generic Name
Benzalkonium
Formulations
* For further reading/details: refer to a pharmacology book
Mechanism of Action
* For further reading/details: refer to a pharmacology book
Indication / Spectrum of Activity
- Gram positive & negative bacteria
Side Effects
* For further reading/details: refer to a pharmacology book
Other
- Inactivated by soap, it’s a quaternary ammonium detergent
Generic Name
Isopropyl Alcohol
Formulations
- 70-99%
Mechanism of Action
- 70% is better than 99%
Indication / Spectrum of Activity
Gram positive bacteria
Side Effects
- Irritant
- Flammable
Other
- Fastest onset
Generic Name
Hydrogen peroxide
Formulations
* For further reading/details: refer to a pharmacology book
Mechanism of Action
* For further reading/details: refer to a pharmacology book
Indication / Spectrum of Activity
- Bacteria and fungi
Side Effects
- Corrosive and bleaching
Other
- Rapid onset