Biosafe

Indications

Benzalkonium Chloride is an antiseptic and disinfectant. It is used in skin antiseptic creams and lotions for minor cuts, grazes, burns and nappy rash, in antiseptic hand rubs and cleansers, in throat lozenges and mouthwashes, and in some disinfectant liquids for surfaces and instruments. In small amounts it is also used as a preservative in many eye drops, nasal sprays and other liquid medicines.

How It Works

Benzalkonium Chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound with a positive charge. It attaches to and disrupts the outer membrane of bacteria and some fungi and viruses, causing their contents to leak out so they die or stop growing.

Dosage and Administration

Use as directed on the label. Antiseptic creams and lotions are usually applied thinly to clean, dry skin one to three times a day, or at each nappy change for nappy rash. Hand rubs are rubbed over the hands until dry. Disinfectant concentrates must be diluted exactly as the label says and are not for use on skin unless stated. Do not swallow products meant for the skin.

Interactions

Soap and other anionic cleansers can inactivate Benzalkonium Chloride, so rinse soap off well before applying it. Avoid using several antiseptics on the same area at once. In eye drops it can be absorbed by soft contact lenses.

Contraindications

Do not use if you are allergic to Benzalkonium Chloride or other quaternary ammonium compounds. Do not use skin products in the eyes, ears, or on large areas of broken skin, and do not use under tight airtight dressings.

Side Effects

It may cause skin dryness, stinging, redness or irritation, especially with frequent use or strong solutions. Allergic skin reactions can occur. As a preservative in eye drops, long-term use can irritate the surface of the eye. In nasal sprays and inhaled products it may rarely trigger wheezing in people with asthma.

Get urgent medical help if a concentrated product gets in the eyes or is swallowed, or if you develop swelling of the face, widespread rash or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

When used on the skin as directed, very little is absorbed and it is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If using on the breast area, wash it off before feeding the baby.

Precautions and Warnings

Use only diluted, ready-to-use strengths on skin. Do not apply to deep, puncture or animal-bite wounds or serious burns: see a doctor. Remove soft contact lenses before using eye drops that contain it and wait 15 minutes before reinserting. Stop use if irritation develops.

Overdose

Swallowing concentrated solutions can cause burns to the mouth and throat, vomiting, breathing difficulty and collapse. Do not make the person vomit; seek emergency medical help at once.

Therapeutic Class

Antiseptic and disinfectant (quaternary ammonium compound); pharmaceutical preservative.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep containers tightly closed.