Benzalkonium Chloride
Benzalkonium is a quaternary ammonium compound used as a biocide, a cationic surfactant, and as a phase transfer agent Label. Benzalkonium is more commonly contained in consumer products in its salt form, benzalkonium chloride Label. This salt is used in a great variety of international pharmaceutical products such as eye, ear, and nasal drops or sprays as an excipient ingredient serving as an antimicrobial preservative Label. When used as an ingredient in antiseptic and disinfectant products however, it is an active antimicrobial agent
Mechanism of effect
Topical antiseptic
Drug indications
It is used to prevent skin infections
It is used to clean wounds
It is used to clean wounds
Side effects
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs or symptoms of infection
Swelling
Redness
Very bad skin irritation
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects
Signs or symptoms of infection
Swelling
Redness
Very bad skin irritation
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects
Alerts
Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs or symptoms of infection
Swelling
Redness
Very bad skin irritation
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs or symptoms of infection
Swelling
Redness
Very bad skin irritation
Points of recommendation
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Benzalkonium Chloride
If you have an allergy to benzalkonium chloride or any other part of benzalkonium chloride
If you are allergic to benzalkonium chloride; any part of benzalkonium chloride; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had
If you have a very bad burn or cut
If you have an animal bite or a deep puncture wound
If a large area needs to be treated
Tell all of your health care providers that you take benzalkonium chloride. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists
If signs get worse or last for more than 7 days, talk with the doctor
Do not use large amounts of benzalkonium chloride. Do not use over a large area, raw skin, or blisters
Use with care in a child younger than 2 years of age
This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If benzalkonium chloride is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using benzalkonium chloride while you are pregnant
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby
Do not take benzalkonium chloride by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, ears, and eyes (may burn
Wash your hands before and after use. Do not wash your hands after use if putting this on your hand
Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well
Put on affected skin and let dry
The treatment area may be covered with a dressing
To clean a wound, put on affected skin and wipe with sterile gauze
Store at room temperature. Do not freeze
If you have an allergy to benzalkonium chloride or any other part of benzalkonium chloride
If you are allergic to benzalkonium chloride; any part of benzalkonium chloride; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had
If you have a very bad burn or cut
If you have an animal bite or a deep puncture wound
If a large area needs to be treated
Tell all of your health care providers that you take benzalkonium chloride. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists
If signs get worse or last for more than 7 days, talk with the doctor
Do not use large amounts of benzalkonium chloride. Do not use over a large area, raw skin, or blisters
Use with care in a child younger than 2 years of age
This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If benzalkonium chloride is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using benzalkonium chloride while you are pregnant
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby
Do not take benzalkonium chloride by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, ears, and eyes (may burn
Wash your hands before and after use. Do not wash your hands after use if putting this on your hand
Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well
Put on affected skin and let dry
The treatment area may be covered with a dressing
To clean a wound, put on affected skin and wipe with sterile gauze
Store at room temperature. Do not freeze
Pregnancy level
Pregnancy Category: C
Breast feeding warning
Topical maternal application of benzalkonium chloride or benzethonium chloride or their presence as a preservative in pharmaceuticals would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants
Drug forms
Antimicrobial Cleanser, CureChrome, HandClens 2 in 1, Merthiolate, Neosporin Wound Cleanser
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