What is benzalkonium used for?

What is benzalkonium used for?

Benzalkonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium antiseptic and disinfectant with actions and uses similar to those of other cationic surfactants. It is also used as an antimicrobial preservative for pharmaceutical products.

Is benzalkonium toxic to humans?

Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is a widely used disinfectant/preservative, and respiratory exposure to this compound has been reported to be highly toxic. Spray‐form household products have been known to contain BAC together with triethylene glycol (TEG) in their solutions.

Can benzalkonium chloride be used on humans?

Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) exerts toxic effects on microorganisms. This property has been utilized in the cosmetic industry and medicine, where it is used as effective germicide and preservative agents. Various BAC-containing preparations used by people may induce a number of adverse effects on the human body.

Is benzalkonium chloride same as bleach?

Benzalkonium chloride can be defined as a type of cationic surfactant. The key difference between sodium hypochlorite and benzalkonium chloride is that sodium hypochlorite is bleach, whereas benzalkonium chloride is a non-bleach cleaning product.

Is benzalkonium safe for skin?

This cosmetic ingredient is not a sensitizer to normal humans at concentrations of 0.1%, but may be to individuals with diseased skin. It is concluded that Benzalkonium Chloride can be safely used as an antimicrobial agent at concentrations up to 0.1%.

Is benzalkonium chloride safe in wipes?

[9/01/2017] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting health care professionals and patients not to use alcohol pads or benzalkonium chloride antiseptic towelettes made by Foshan Flying Medical Products Co.

When would you use benzalkonium chloride?

BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE (ben zal KOE nee um klor ide) is an antiseptic. It is used prior to surgical procedures or for minor wound care to reduce risks of infection. It may be used for cold sore care.

Can benzalkonium chloride be used on skin?

Cosmetic products containing Benzalkonium Chloride are applied to the skin, hair, and vaginal mucosa and may come in contact with the nasal mucosa and eyes. Product formulations containing Benzalkonium Chloride may be used as often as once per week to several times daily.

Is benzalkonium chloride in hand soap safe?

It is essential to mention that alcohol-free benzalkonium chloride is non-flammable and non-addictive. So, since all types of sanitizing hand rubs neutralize harmful germs effectively, deciding which type to use should be based on how the active ingredient works, how long it lasts, and if any side effects exist.

Can you use Lysol wipes to wipe yourself?

Disinfecting products are designed for use on hard surfaces and are not meant to be used in or on the human body. People who intentionally drink disinfecting wipe solutions or apply them to their own skin may experience unwanted and potentially dangerous side effects.

Can you use Lysol wipes on hands?

Sanitizing and disinfecting wipes are fine to touch while you’re cleaning with them, but they should never be used to clean hands or other body parts. Disinfecting wipes, such as Nice ‘N CLEAN® Disinfecting Wipes, contain chemicals that kill bacteria and viruses, which may cause skin irritation.

What to use instead of Clorox wipes to disinfect?

Rubbing Alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol, is available at drugstores and serves as a quick-and-easy alternative to disinfecting wipes.