Indications
Ethanol (96%) is alcohol used as the active ingredient of alcohol-based hand rubs and antiseptic solutions. It is used to clean hands when soap and water are not available, and to disinfect intact skin, for example before an injection. It is for external use only.
How It Works
Alcohol damages the proteins and outer layers of bacteria and many viruses, killing them within seconds. It works best at strengths of about 60 to 80% in the finished product, which is why these products are made from concentrated ethanol diluted with water and skin-softening ingredients.
Dosage and Administration
- Hands: put enough into a cupped palm to cover both hands completely (about one palmful). Rub over the palms, backs of the hands, between the fingers, the thumbs and fingertips for 20 to 30 seconds until the hands are dry.
- If hands are visibly dirty or greasy, wash with soap and water instead; alcohol does not clean dirt well.
- Do not swallow. Do not apply to eyes, mouth or other moist areas.
Interactions
No important interactions with medicines are known when it is used on the skin. Do not mix it with other cleaning chemicals such as bleach.
Contraindications
- Allergy to any ingredient of the product.
- Use on open wounds, burns or broken skin.
- Use on the eyes, mouth or other moist areas of the body.
Side Effects
Frequent use can cause dry, rough skin and stinging on small cuts. Rarely, skin redness or an itchy allergic rash may occur. Using a moisturiser helps.
Get urgent medical help if someone, especially a child, swallows the product (it can cause drowsiness, vomiting, low blood sugar and breathing problems), if it splashes into the eyes and pain or redness does not settle after rinsing with plenty of clean water, or if you have a severe skin reaction or a burn from fire.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Safe to use on the skin during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Let the hands dry before handling the baby, and keep it away from the baby’s mouth and eyes.
Precautions and Warnings
Highly flammable: keep away from flames, stoves, cigarettes and heat, and let the hands dry completely before going near a flame. Keep out of the reach of children and use only under adult supervision with young children. Do not swallow.
Overdose
On the skin, too much only causes dryness. Swallowing it causes alcohol poisoning, which is especially dangerous for children: get emergency medical help straight away.
Therapeutic Class
Antiseptic and disinfectant (alcohol-based hand rub).
Storage
Store below 30°C with the cap tightly closed, away from heat, sunlight, fire and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.