Benzethonium Chloride
Description
Benzethonium Chloride has surfactant, antiseptic and anti-infective properties. It is generally used in personal care products such as rash creams, lotions, cleansers, makeup, foot odor powders, mouthwashes, etc. and acts as a preservative in these formulations. It may also be used to prevent infections in minor cuts, scrapes, etc. in certain specific conditions.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Benzethonium Chloride
- Dry skin
- Redness of skin
Uses of Benzethonium Chloride
What is it prescribed for?
- Hand Wash
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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?The topical forms of this medicine are considered safe for use in pregnant women.
- Usage while breast-feeding?The topical forms of this medicine are considered safe for use in breastfeeding women. Care should be taken such that the infant does not swallow this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to benzethonium chloride or any other inactive ingredients present in the formulation.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
The topical forms of this medicine are considered safe for use in pregnant women.
Breast-feeding
The topical forms of this medicine are considered safe for use in breastfeeding women. Care should be taken such that the infant does not swallow this medicine.
General warnings
Irritation and Redness
If you develop skin redness and irritation after using this medicine, discontinue its use immediately. If the symptoms persist for more than 72 hours, consult your doctor for further treatment.
External use
The topical forms of this medicine are meant for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes. In the case of an accidental eye contact, thoroughly wash your eyes with water.
Missed Dose
This medicine is used on an as-needed basis.
Overdose
An overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause severe symptoms. However, swallowing 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
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Apply a small amount of this medicine onto the hands and lather it thoroughly. Wash the hands, rinse thoroughly and then dry the hands. Use a small amount, enough to wet the hands. If symptoms like skin irritation or skin redness occur, discontinue the use of this medicine. If symptoms persist for more than 72 hours, consult your doctor for treatment.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine kills micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. as well as inhibits their future growth.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Antiseptic and germicides
Schedule
OTC
Benzethonium - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 3 October 2018]. Available from:
Benzethonium chloride [Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 3 October 2018]. Available from:
DailyMed - Benzethonium chloride liquid [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 3 October 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 4 Oct 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.