Triclosan
Description
Triclosan is an antiseptic medicine. It is used in the treatment of various fungal and bacterial infections of the skin. It interferes with the cell membrane processes of the fungus or bacteria. Therefore, it kills the microbes and stops the spread of infections. It is widely used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent in personal care products such as lotion, soaps, skin creams, toothpaste and deodorants.
Triclosan has side effects like change in taste (only for oral formulations like toothpaste), irritation, itching, and redness at the site of application. It might cause discolouration of teeth fillings. Stop using it and consult your doctor if these symptoms persist or get worse. Avoid using it if you are allergic to triclosan and/or notice symptoms like blisters, peeling of skin etc.
Triclosan should be used only as directed by your doctor. Wash your hands and the affected area with water. Apply the medicine gently on the affected area and allow it to remain for 2-3 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and repeat the same if required. Do not let it get in contact with burnt or damaged skin as it can cause severe pain and worsen the condition. Avoid contact with ears, eyes and open wounds. Wash immediately in case of accidental contact.
Triclosan oral medications are to be taken after meals as they can affect the taste of food. For oral forms like toothpaste, avoid rinsing or eating food for 30 minutes after using it for maximum effectiveness. Triclosan therapy may take several weeks to improve your condition. Hence, do not stop using it without consulting your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using Triclosan.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Triclosan
- Change in taste
- Skin irritation
- Redness of skin
Uses of Triclosan
What is it prescribed for?
- Acne
- Oral infections
- Acute ulcerative gingivitis
- Bacterial and/or fungal infections of skin
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe onset of action of Triclosan is not known.
- Duration of effectThe duration of action for Triclosan is not 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 were reported for Triclosan.
- Usage in pregnancy?Triclosan is generally considered safe to be used in pregnancy. However, consult your doctor before using it.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Triclosan is generally considered safe to be used in breastfeeding. However, consult your doctor before using it.
Allergic reactions
Avoid using Triclosan if you are allergic to it or any other components present in the formulation. Allergic reactions such as rashes, itching, swelling of the tongue, lips, shortness of breath, etc., can be seen. Consult your doctor if you have an allergy to this medicine.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Triclosan is generally considered safe to be used in pregnancy. However, consult your doctor before using it.
Breast-feeding
Triclosan is generally considered safe to be used in breastfeeding. However, consult your doctor before using it.
General warnings
External use only
Triclosan is recommended for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes, mucous membranes, or open wounds. Rinse with water in case of accidental contact. If the medicine is swallowed, seek immediate medical help.
Missed Dose
Topical forms: Apply the missed dose of Triclosan 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 dose.
Oral forms: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
An overdose of Triclosan is not likely to cause serious effects unless it is used for a prolonged period of time in large volumes. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of an overdose or accidental swallowing.
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
Methoxsalen
Verteporfin
Aminolevulinic acid
Disease interactions
Lupus erythematosus
Triclosan may worsen the conditions associated with photosensitivity, such as acute lupus erythematosus (an inflammatory disease caused when the immune system attacks its own tissues). Consult your doctor before using this medicine in such a condition.
Porphyria
Porphyria is a rare disorder that mainly affects your skin or nervous system. This disorder is usually inherited, which means it is caused by gene mutations passed from parents to children. Triclosan may worsen the conditions associated with photosensitivity, such as acute porphyria. Consult your doctor before using this medicine in such conditions.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Use Triclosan as instructed by the doctor. Do not take in larger amounts than advised. Do not stop using it without consulting your doctor. Any instance of a side effect should be reported to the doctor immediately.
It is for external use only. Do not swallow it or allow it in contact with wounds, eyes and ears.
Inform your doctor if you experience allergic reactions like skin rash, swelling of the face and shortness of breath.
Keep the medicine away from the reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date. Make sure the unused medicine is disposed of properly.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Triclosan interferes with certain cell processes which weakens the cell membrane and causes cell death of the fungi and bacteria.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Topical antibiotics
Schedule
OTC
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - CARDINAL HEALTH ANTIMICROBIAL SOAP WITH TRICLOSAN- triclosan liquid. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 9 September 2021].
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - DERMAPROT TRICLOTREX-B- triclosan liquid. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 9 September 2021].
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - TRICLOTREX-B ANTIBACTERIAL (NEUTRAL)- triclosan gel. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 9 September 2021].
Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. Triclosan. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 8 September 2021].
Polytronic.ca. 2021. JABON GERMICIDA ROLDAN – ANTIMICROBIAL SOAP JABON ANTI-BACTERIANO 2%, 75 g / 2.63 oz – Polytronic. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 9 September 2021].
Biomonitoring.ca.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 14 September 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 21 Sep 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.