What medicines contain such a substance as benzalkonium chloride? Preparations with this ingredient will be listed below. You will also learn about what properties it has, what it is prescribed for and how it should be used correctly.
Basic information
Benzalkonium chloride is a drug found in many medications. It is an ammonium compound and is produced as a white or yellowish white powder. Also, this tool can be found in the form of a gel-like mass, soluble in alcohol, water, acetone and practically insoluble in ether.
Composition, shape
Benzalkonium chloride is the active ingredient. Depending on the type of drug, it may be supplemented with other ingredients.
Benzalkonium chloride is found in topical solutions, eye drops, various creams, vaginal suppositories, tablets, capsules and room disinfectant liquid concentrate.
The action of the medicinal substance
What are the pharmacological properties of benzalkonium chloride? The composition of this substance is such that itable to have a contraceptive effect, as well as spermicidal and antiseptic effects.
After application, the agent in question is embedded in the cell walls, and then interacts with some microorganisms and sperm lipoproteins, which ultimately leads to membrane damage and cell death.
Benzalkonium chloride has a pronounced bactericidal activity against pathogenic bacteria, including staphylococcus, streptococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, Proteus, Klebsiella and other microorganisms. It also acts fungicidal against fungi.
The spermicidal properties of this substance are manifested in the destruction of the flagellum and the rupture of the head of the spermatozoon, which prevents the egg from being fertilized.
Features of the drug
The ingredient in question is not absorbed when used intravaginally, however, it settles on the vaginal mucosa and is eliminated after washing with water or on its own along with physiological secretions.
The contraceptive effect of this substance begins 10 minutes after the use of capsules or tablets, 5 minutes after the introduction of vaginal suppositories and 3 minutes after applying the cream.
The duration of the spermicidal action of this substance may vary depending on the form of the drug used (from 3 hours to a day). It should be noted that any medication administered intravaginally will reduce the spermicidal effect of this component. By the way, iodine solution also inactivatesproducts that contain benzalkonium chloride (candles, cream, tablets, etc.).
Indications for use
External solution of benzalkonium chloride is necessary for primary and primary delayed treatment of wounds, as well as the prevention of their secondary infection with hospital strains of bacteria (for burns, bone and soft tissue injuries). Also, this remedy is prescribed in the presence of purulent wounds, for draining bone cavities after an operation for osteomyelitis.
A thick mass or cream with benzalkonium chloride is used for paraproctitis, superficial thermal burns, trophic ulcers, long-term non-healing wounds of soft tissues (including infected ones), purulent-inflammatory skin diseases that have developed on the background of diabetes mellitus.
Benzalkonium chloride in eye drops is good for insufficient tearing, eyelid deformity, lagophthalmos, ectropion and after plastic surgery on the eyelids. In addition, this drug is prescribed for trophic ulcers and erosion of the cornea, its bullous dystrophic changes, keratopathy, thermal burns of the conjunctiva, keratectomy, microdefects of the corneal epithelium and after keratoplasty.
Pills, vaginal suppositories, intravaginal capsules, cream and tampons are intended for local contraception in women of reproductive age. As a rule, such funds are prescribed if there are contraindications to intrauterine devices and oral contraceptives, as well as in the postpartum period, duringlactation, with irregular sexual life, after an abortion and in premenopause.
Liquid concentrate with benzalkonium chloride is used for disinfection of premises, as well as medical products and equipment.
Contraindications
Benzalkonium chloride is a preservative and antiseptic that should not be used when:
- presence of hypersensitivity;
- contact dermatitis;
- malignant tumors on the skin.
As for the contraindications of intravaginal forms of the drug, they include the following conditions:
- irritation and ulceration of the uterus or vaginal mucosa;
- colpitis.
Instructions
The method of using this substance depends on the form in which it is produced.
- The external solution is diluted with water (distilled) to a concentration of 1%, and then gauze dressings, tampons or napkins are impregnated with it, and then applied to the wound.
- A thick mass or cream is applied to the wound surface, which is previously cleaned of necrotic tissue and purulent discharge (at the rate of 0.25-0.45 g / 1 sq. cm). You can also use gauze pads or turundas soaked in the drug. The maximum dose of this drug per day is 50 g. Dressings are changed every day for two weeks.
- Vaginal contraceptive suppositories are inserted into the vagina while lying on your back. Do this five minutes before sexual intercourse. The duration of action of the drug is 4hours.
Intravaginal tablets are also inserted into the vagina, lying on the back, ten minutes before sexual intercourse. The duration of action of this drug is 3 hours.
The cream is inserted into the vagina using a dispenser-applicator (preferably in the supine position). Its action develops immediately after application and lasts for 10 hours.
According to the instructions, a new capsule, portion of cream, suppository or tablet should be introduced every time you have repeated sexual intercourse.
The tampon must be removed from the package, and then place the middle finger in the middle of its flat surface. Having parted the labia with the other hand, it needs to be advanced into the depths of the vagina to the cervix.
The action of such a medication develops immediately and lasts about a day. At this time, the tampon should not be changed even with repeated sexual intercourse. It is advisable to remove it no earlier than 3 hours after the last act and no later than a day after its installation.
If it is difficult to remove the tampon, squat down and carefully remove it with your fingers (like tweezers). It is strictly forbidden to take a bath and swim with this product in the vagina.
Liquid concentrate should be diluted with water to obtain the required solution (1-12%). Furnishings, surfaces in the room and sanitary equipment must be wiped with a rag soaked in the prepared product at the rate of 150 ml / 1 sq. msurface.
Medical products and laboratory glassware must be completely immersed in the solution and covered with a lid. After 2 hours, they must be rinsed or rinsed under running water (about 3 minutes).
Side effects
Depending on the form of the drug, benzalkonium chloride can cause various side effects. With prolonged use, patients often develop local irritation and other allergic reactions.
What preparations does it contain?
The most popular products containing benzalkonium chloride are:
- Kataferm is a combined preparation in the form of a lyophilisate, from which a solution is prepared, and then it is used externally for trophic ulcers, vaginitis, the presence of purulent diseases, osteomyelitis and bartholinitis.
- Catacel A is a combination product in the form of a paste that has a spermicidal effect.
- "Katacel" - a drug produced in vaginal tablets and capsules, suppositories and tampons, cream and paste for external use. It has spermicidal, antifungal and antiseptic effects.
