Benzalkonium chloride
Description
Benzalkonium chloride is used as an antiseptic agent in ophthalmic preparations, skin care products, contact lens solutions, etc. It is also used in medications for the relief of burns, cuts, local swelling of the skin and the mouth. Based on your clinical condition, it may also be used for other purposes that are not listed here.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Benzalkonium chloride
- Severe skin rash and hives
- Blistering and peeling of skin
- Difficulty in breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- Signs and symptoms of infection
- Swelling and redness at the application site
- Skin irritation
Uses of Benzalkonium chloride
What is it prescribed for?
- Skin infections
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required by this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to benzalkonium chloride or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine.
General warnings
Other medicines
Benzalkonium chloride may interact with many other medicines and may cause adverse effects. Hence, it is advised that you inform the doctor about all your current medicines including any herbs and supplements before beginning treatment with this medicine.
Use in children
This medicine is not recommended for use in children less than 2 years of age unless prescribed by the pediatrician. It should be used with caution in these cases.
Severe burns and cuts
This medicine is not recommended for use in case of severe burns or cuts since the risk of severe skin irritation is significantly high.
Animal bites and deep puncture wounds
This medicine is not recommended for use in case of animal bites and deep puncture wounds since the risk of severe skin irritation is significantly high.
Application on large areas
This medicine is not recommended for use if a large area of the skin is to be treated. An alternative treatment option should be considered in these cases under the supervision of your doctor.
Missed Dose
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not apply a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
An overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause severe symptoms. However, ingestion of this medicine may cause harm and immediate medical intervention may be required.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Sodium Hyaluronate
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Apply this medicine following all the instructions mentioned on the label or the package insert. Do not apply this medicine to large areas of the skin. Avoid the use of this medicine on large wounds, animal bites, and deep puncture wounds. Contact your doctor if you experience any side effects or if the symptoms do not improve after multiple applications.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine works by interfering with certain vital functions in the cell of the pathogen, causing the death of the microbes.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Antiseptic and germicides
Schedule
OTC
DailyMed - Benzalkonium chloride (0.13%) cloth [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 6 September 2018]. Available from:
DailyMed - Benzalkonium chlolride liquid [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 6 September 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Chemotechnique.se. 2018 [cited 6 September 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Oie.int. 2018 [cited 6 September 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 28 Dec 2018
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.