Drugs and Chemicals /
BBenzalkonium Chloride
(Drapolene, Germex, Osvan, Zephiran)
A mixture of alkylbenzyldimethylammonium compounds. It is a bactericidal quaternary
ammonium detergent used topically in medicaments, deodorants, mouthwashes, as a surgical
antiseptic, and as a as preservative and emulsifier in drugs and cosmetics.
Detergent
Purifying or cleansing agents, usually salts of long-chain aliphatic bases or acids, that exert cleansing (oil-dissolving) and antimicrobial effects through a surface action that depends on possessing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties.
Local Anti-Infective Agent
Substances used on humans and other animals that destroy harmful microorganisms or inhibit their activity. They are distinguished from disinfectants, which are used on inanimate objects.
Pharmaceutical Preservative
Substances added to pharmaceutical preparations to protect them from chemical change or
microbial action.
They include anti-bacterial agents (Substances that reduce the growth or reproduction of bacteria) and antioxidants
(Naturally occurring or synthetic substances that inhibit or retard the oxidation of a substance to which it is added. They counteract the harmful and damaging effects of oxidation in animal tissues).
