Octenidine
Description
Octenidine is a topical antiseptic. It is used for the treatment of bacterial skin infections. It works by killing the infection-causing bacteria and preventing further bacterial growth.
Octenidine may cause burning sensation, itching, redness, and dryness at the site of application. Consult your doctor if these symptoms persist or if they become severe.
Octenidine should be applied topically on the affected part of your skin as directed by your doctor. Continue using the medicine for the prescribed duration to reduce your risk of re-infection.
Octenidine should be avoided if you are allergic to it. If you are pregnant, or breastfeeding, or are planning a pregnancy, consult your doctor before using this medication.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Octenidine
- Itching, redness, dryness at application site
- Burning sensation at the application site
Uses of Octenidine
What is it prescribed for?
- Bacterial skin infections
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe time required for Octenidine to show its effect is not clinically known.
- Duration of effectThe duration for which Octenidine remains effective after topical application is not clinically known.
- 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 have been reported with Octenidine.
- Usage in pregnancy?Due to a lack of safety and efficacy studies, it is not known whether Octenidine use during pregnancy will affect your developing foetus. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor.
- Usage while breast-feeding?It is not known if Octenidine passes into breastmilk. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor. If indicated for use, avoid applying this medicine to breast areas (nipple) that may come into contact with your infant.
Allergy
Avoid Octenidine if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of your face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Due to a lack of safety and efficacy studies, it is not known whether Octenidine use during pregnancy will affect your developing foetus. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor.
Breast-feeding
It is not known if Octenidine passes into breastmilk. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor. If indicated for use, avoid applying this medicine to breast areas (nipple) that may come into contact with your infant.
General warnings
External use only
Octenidine is meant for external use only. Avoid contact with your eyes. In case of accidental contact with your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water. Seek immediate medical help in case of accidental ingestion.
Other medicines
Octenidine may interact with other medicines meant for topical use. Concomitant use of this medicine and other topical medicines on the same area of skin should therefore be avoided. Inform your doctor about the topical preparations (ointments/lotions/gels) that you may have been using to avoid undesired side effects.
Missed Dose
Try not to miss a dose of Octenidine. In case of a missed dose, apply it as soon as you remember.
Overdose
Since Octenidine is intended for external use, the likelihood of side effects due to an overdose is low. However, do not apply more than the prescribed dose.
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.
Octenidine is meant for external use only. Use this medicine as directed by your doctor.
Close the cover of the tube immediately after use to keep it clean and free from contamination. Do not wipe or rinse the tip of the tube.
Use Octenidine at around the same time every day for ease of remembrance. Do not discontinue the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Do not cover the application area with bandages or other coverings.
Do not give Octenidine to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Octenidine is an antiseptic that prevents cell growth and eventually kills the bacteria.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Topical Antiseptic
Schedule
Schedule H
Drugs.ncats.io. 2021. NCATS Inxight Drugs — OCTENIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 2 December 2021].
Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. Octenidine. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 2 December 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 3 Dec 2021
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.