Indications
- Cleaning and disinfecting minor cuts, grazes, scratches and small burns.
- Cleaning the skin before minor procedures and cleaning hands.
- In creams, for nappy rash and minor skin infections.
- In shampoos, for dandruff and greasy, flaky scalp conditions.
It is often combined with Chlorhexidine in antiseptic liquids.
How It Works
Cetrimide is an antiseptic of the quaternary ammonium type. It acts like a detergent: it damages the outer membrane of bacteria and some fungi, killing them, and it also helps lift away dirt and grease from the skin.
Dosage and Administration
For use on the skin only. Concentrated liquids must be diluted with clean water exactly as the label says before use on skin or wounds. Ready-to-use solutions can be applied to the area with clean cotton or gauze. Creams: apply a thin layer to the clean area once or several times a day, as directed on the label. Shampoos: use as directed on the label.
Interactions
Ordinary soap and some other cleansers make cetrimide less effective, so rinse soap off the skin before applying it. Do not mix it with other antiseptics unless they are in the same product.
Contraindications
- Allergy to cetrimide or any ingredient of the product.
- Use in the eyes, in the ears if the eardrum may be damaged, or inside body cavities.
- Must not be swallowed.
Side Effects
Common: dryness, stinging or irritation of the skin. Repeated use can cause an allergic skin rash. Solutions that are too strong can burn the skin.
Get urgent medical help for swelling of the face or throat or difficulty breathing, severe burning or blistering of the skin, accidental swallowing, or if it gets into the eyes and irritation does not settle after rinsing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Use on the skin over small areas is generally considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. When breastfeeding, do not apply it to the nipple, or rinse it off well before feeding.
Precautions and Warnings
Always dilute concentrated products correctly. Keep away from the eyes; if it splashes into the eyes, rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Do not use on large burns or deep wounds without medical advice, and see a doctor for deep, dirty or animal-bite wounds or wounds that become red, swollen or painful. Do not cover with airtight dressings. Use freshly diluted solutions, as stored dilutions can become contaminated.
Overdose
If swallowed, it can cause burning of the mouth and throat, nausea and vomiting; large amounts can cause breathing difficulty and muscle weakness. Do not make the person vomit. Rinse the mouth and seek emergency medical help.
Therapeutic Class
Topical antiseptic and disinfectant (quaternary ammonium compound).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep the container tightly closed. Keep products containing alcohol away from flames.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.