Classification and survey of antiseptics and germicides

Classification and survey of antiseptics and germicides

Table
Classification and survey of antiseptics and germicides
agent approximate concentration used (percent) mode of action uses
alcohols (e.g., ethyl alcohol) 50–70 denaturation of proteins; interference with metabolism; lysis (dissolving of organism) as skin disinfectants; to form tinctures of antiseptics (used with acetone)
cationic, surface-active quaternary ammonium compounds 0.1–0.25 denaturation of proteins; inactivation of cellular metabolites; dissolving of cell wall as skin disinfectants and antiseptics; in sanitizing eating and drinking utensils, food-processing equipment
bisphenols (2 phenols linked together) 2–5 inhibition of cell growth as surgical scrubs (used with soaps and detergents); as deodorants
chlorine gas and chloride compounds with available chlorine 0.0000002–0.000002 liberation of cell constituents in chlorination of water supplies; as food-plant sanitizer; in treating wounds and hospital equipment
iodine and iodized compounds 2–16 precipitation of cell proteins in ointment and salves as skin antiseptics; in surgical-instrument disinfection
aldehydes (e.g., formaldehyde) 1–5 general microorganism poison in disinfection of dwellings, ships, storage houses, utensils, clothing; in hospital-instrument sterilization
mercurials (inorganic and organic) 0.001–1 precipitation of cell proteins; destruction of enzymes as skin antiseptic in skin ointments and salves; as preservatives for drugs
oligodynamic metals (silver, copper, mercury) traces cell-membrane destruction; coagulation of cell materials as disinfectants; in ointments and salves; in cement (e.g., in shower rooms)
heavy metals 0.1–1 precipitation of cell proteins in cosmetics and deodorants; antiperspirants; skin antiseptics
acids 0.1–5 precipitation of cell proteins; destruction of cell wall as skin antiseptics (salicylic benzoic acids); in food preservatives (benzoic acid)
dyes (e.g., acridine) 0.1–1 inhibition of cell function; combination with essential metabolites in dentistry as mucous antiseptics; in laboratory media to inhibit growth of unwanted bacteria
antibiotics and chemotherapeutic drugs (e.g., penicillin, sulfonamides) 0.001–1 interference with cell metabolism; synergistic action in body to counteract infection in chemotherapy of disease; in ointment and salves as skin antiseptics
coal-tar derivatives (e.g., phenol, cresols) 0.1–5 cytoplasmic poisons; disruption of cell wall; precipitation of proteins; inactivation of enzymes as skin antiseptics in dilute solutions; as floor and wall disinfectants, combined with soaps; as surgical-instrument sterilizers
aromatic oils (especially pine oil) 0.1–5 effect on cell constituents; mechanical effect inhibits cell growth as disinfectants with soaps for washing floors and walls; as a deodorant on inanimate surfaces
See as table:

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужна курсовая?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • antimicrobial agent — ▪ pharmacology Introduction       any of a large variety of chemical compounds and physical agents that are used to destroy microorganisms or to prevent their development. Antiseptics (antiseptic) and germicides.       The term antiseptic refers… …   Universalium

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”