Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Antiseptics are applied to living tissue to kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms. Disinfectants are applied to inanimate objects to destroy pathogenic microorganisms. Despite the lack of rigorous evidence that they prevent infection, they are used widely in households, the food industry, and hospitals. This chapter describes toxicity caused by chlorhexidine, glutaraldehyde, hexylresorcinol, hydrogen peroxide, ichthammol, and potassium permanganate. These agents are often used as dilute solutions that usually cause little or no toxicity. Hexylresorcinol is commonly found in throat lozenges. Ichthammol is found in many topical salves. Descriptions of the toxicity of other antiseptics and disinfectants appear elsewhere in this book, including the following: hypochlorite (See Chlorine), iodine (See Iodine), isopropyl alcohol (See Isopropyl Alcohol), mercurochrome (See Mercury), phenol (See Phenol and Related Compounds), and pine oil (See Hydrocarbons).
Mechanism of toxicity
Chlorhexidine is commonly found in dental rinses, mouthwashes, skin cleansers, and a variety of cosmetics. Many preparations also contain isopropyl alcohol. Systemic absorption of chlorhexidine salts is minimal. Ingestion of products with a concentration less than 0.12% is not likely to cause more than minor irritation, but higher concentrations have caused corrosive injury.
Glutaraldehyde (pH 3–4) is used to disinfect medical equipment, as a tissue preservative, and topically as an antifungal and is found in some x-ray solutions. It is highly irritating to the skin and respiratory tract and has caused allergic contact dermatitis with repeated exposures.
Hexylresorcinol
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