|
Formula |
CAS |
|
C6H5CH2N(CH3)2RCl |
8001-54-5 |
CAS: Chemical Abstract Service Registry Number
Background
Benzalkonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt composed of a mixture of alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chlorides of the general formula in which R represents a mixture of the alkyls from C8H17 to C18H37. It functions as a cationic surface active agent, germicide, preservative, and antiseptic. The mode of action of quaternary ammonium compounds appears to be associated with the agent's effect on the cytoplasmic membrane, which controls cell permeability. Extensive data are reported for effective concentrations and affected bacterial species12. Benzalkonium chloride is not effective against gram-negative bacteria or picornaviruses, and is not recommended for treatment of sanitizing critical or semicritical medical instruments13. It has been reported that BC inactivates HIV and HSV in vitro 11. Usage concentrations range from 0.01% to 0.1% for cleansing of wounds and skin surfaces.
Benzalkonium chloride is reportedly incompatible with soaps and other anionic surfactants, citrates, iodides, nitrates, permanganates, salicylates, silver salts and tartrates. Incompatibilities have been demonstrated with ingredients of some commercial rubber mixes or plastics. Incompatibilities have also been reported with other substances including aluminum, cotton, fluorescein sodium, hydrogen peroxide, kaolin, hydrous wool fat, and some sulphonamides11, 13. The preservative effect of BC can be neutralized by the addition of Tween 80 and lecithin14.
Synonyms
Alkyl Dimethylbenzyl Ammonium Chloride
Alkyldimethyl(phenylmethyl) Quaternary Ammonium Chloride
Ammonyx
Arquad DMMCB-75
Barquat MB-50 x
Bayclean
Benirol
Benzalkonium chloride A
Bradophen
BTC
Cequartyl
Drapolene
Dropolex
Empigen
Enuclene
Germitol
Gesminol
Osuan
Paralkan
Roccal
Rodalon
Zephiran
Zephiran chloride
Uses
Agriculture, fabric, dye, and metallurgy industries
Cold sterilization solution for medical and dental instruments
Contact lens solutions
Cosmetics, shampoos, and deodorants
Eye solutions and medications
Injectable medications
Mouthwash, lozenges, and medications for the mouth and throat
Skin cleansers
Skin creams and medications
Udder wash
Cross-Reactions
Cetrimoniumbromide
Benzethoniumchloride
Unusual Reactions
Airborne contact dermatitis
References
|
1. |
Afzelius, H. and H. Thulin, Allergic reactions to benzalkonium chloride. Contact Dermatitis, 1979. 5(1): p. 60. |
|
2. |
Lovell, C.R. and P. Staniforth, Contact allergy to benzalkonium chloride in plaster of Paris. Contact Dermatitis, 1981. 7(6): p. 343-4. |
|
3. |
de Groot, A.C., J. Conemans, and D.H. Liem, Contact allergy to benzoxonium chloride (Bradophen). Contact Dermatitis, 1984. 11(5): p. 324-5. |
|
4. |
Fisher, A.A., Allergic reactions to contact lens solutions. Cutis, 1985. 36(3): p. 209-11. |
|
5. |
Fisher, A.A., Allergic contact dermatitis and conjunctivitis from benzalkonium chloride. Cutis, 1987. 39(5): p. 381-3 |
|
6. |
Klein, G.F., N. Sepp, and P. Fritsch, Allergic reactions to benzalkonium chloride? Do the use test:. Contact Dermatitis, 1991. 25(4): p. 269-70. |
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7. |
Corazza, M. and A. Virgili, Airborne allergic contact dermatitis from benzalkonium chloride. Contact Dermatitis, 1993. 28(3): p. 195-6. |
|
8. |
Cusano, F. and S. Luciano, Contact allergy to benzalkonium chloride and glutaraldehyde in a dental nurse. Contact Dermatitis, 1993. 28(2): p. 127. |
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9. |
Cox, N.H., Allergy to benzalkonium chloride simulating dermatomyositis. Contact Dermatitis, 1994. 31(1): p. 50. |
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10. |
Perrenoud, D., et al., Frequency of sensitization to 13 common preservatives in Switzerland. Swiss Contact Dermatitis Research Group. Contact Dermatitis, 1994. 30(5): p. 276-9. |
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11. |
Martindale: The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 27th ed., p. 501; 31st ed., p. 1117 (1996). |
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12. |
Disinfection, Sterilization and Preservation, 4th ed., Block, S. Ed.(Lea & Febiger, 1991). Chapter 13, 225-255. |
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13. |
Disinfection, Sterilization and Preservation, 4th ed., p. 633. |
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14. |
Disinfection, Sterilization and Preservation, 4th ed., p. 884. |
13-06-2011
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