Cetrimide IP/BP 15% w/v + Chlorhexidine Gluconate Solution IP/BP 7.5% w/v

Cetrimide IP/BP 15% w/v + Chlorhexidine Gluconate Solution IP/BP 7.5% w/v

Chemical Names:

• Cetrimide: Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide
• Chlorhexidine Gluconate: (1,1′-Hexamethylene bis[5-(p-chlorophenyl)biguanide]) digluconate

Synonyms: Cetrimide Solution with Chlorhexidine, Antiseptic Solution
CAS Numbers:

• Cetrimide: 8044-71-1
• Chlorhexidine Gluconate: 18472-51-0

Description:

This solution combines two potent antimicrobial agents: Cetrimide (15% w/v) and Chlorhexidine Gluconate (7.5% w/v). It is a powerful antiseptic and disinfectant used in healthcare, pharmaceutical, and personal care applications to prevent infection and maintain hygiene. Both components provide broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Applications:

1. Medical and Healthcare Uses:
   • Pre-surgical Skin Preparation: Used to clean and disinfect the skin prior to surgery or medical procedures, reducing the risk of infections caused by skin flora.
   • Wound Cleansing: Helps in cleaning wounds, cuts, abrasions, and burns, providing both cleansing and antimicrobial protection to prevent infection.
   • Hospital Disinfection: Employed in hospitals and clinics to sanitize surfaces, equipment, and medical devices, ensuring a sterile environment.
   • Antiseptic for Handwashing: Used in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare settings as a preoperative handwash for surgical staff to prevent microbial contamination.
2. Personal Care:
   • Antiseptic Creams and Ointments: Included in formulations for first aid products designed to treat minor wounds and burns, providing a broad-spectrum antimicrobial effect.
   • Hygiene Products: Commonly found in personal care products such as antibacterial skin cleansers, handwashes, and shampoos to prevent bacterial infections.
   • Mouthwash and Oral Hygiene: Chlorhexidine Gluconate is known for its effectiveness in oral healthcare to reduce plaque and gingivitis. It may be included in some formulations, though this specific concentration is more suited for skin applications.
3. Veterinary Use:
   • Animal Wound Disinfection: Used in veterinary care for cleaning and disinfecting wounds in animals, as well as maintaining hygiene in animal care facilities.

Mechanism of Action:

• Cetrimide: A quaternary ammonium compound, it disrupts the cell membrane of microorganisms, leading to cell death. It is highly effective against gram-positive bacteria, and to a lesser extent, gram-negative bacteria and fungi.
• Chlorhexidine Gluconate: A bisbiguanide compound, it disrupts the cell membrane integrity of bacteria and inhibits microbial growth by precipitating and coagulating cellular proteins. Chlorhexidine is effective against a broad range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and some viruses.

Advantages:

• Broad Spectrum Antimicrobial Action: This combination of Cetrimide and Chlorhexidine Gluconate is effective against a wide variety of microorganisms, making it ideal for healthcare and hygiene applications.
• Residual Activity: Chlorhexidine provides prolonged antimicrobial action, continuing to inhibit microbial growth after application.
• Safe for Skin Application: At the specified concentrations, the solution is generally safe for use on intact skin and wounds under medical supervision.

Safety and Regulatory Considerations:

• Skin Sensitivity: Some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions with prolonged or repeated use. It is advisable to use with caution on sensitive skin or damaged skin.
• Eye Contact: Avoid contact with eyes. In case of accidental contact, rinse thoroughly with water.
• Regulatory Standards: Complies with Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) and British Pharmacopoeia (BP) standards, ensuring high quality and safe use in healthcare products.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Handling and Storage:

• Storage Conditions: Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Keep away from heat, open flames, and incompatible substances.
• Handling Precautions: Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Use protective gloves and eyewear when handling in large quantities. In case of skin or eye irritation, rinse with plenty of water.