Benzalkonium chloride
Antiseptic · Topical Antiseptic
Mechanism
Benzalkonium chloride, a quaternary ammonium compound, exerts its antiseptic action primarily by disrupting the microbial cell membrane. This compromise of membrane integrity leads to the inhibition of energy-producing enzymes and denaturation of essential proteins within the microorganism. Consequently, it demonstrates bactericidal effects against gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria, along with fungistatic, sporistatic, and lipophilic virucidal activity.
Indications
Dosing
- Adult
- l INDICATIONS AND DOSE Fabry’s disease (specialist use only) ▶ BY INTRAVENOUS INFUSION 24-Apr-2020 Agalsidase alfa, an enzyme produced by recombinant DNA technology are licensed for long-term enzyme replacement therapy in Fabry’s disease (a lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficiency of alphagalactosidase A).…
Side effects
- Paradoxical bronchoconstriction (when used as an antibacterial additive in nebulized ipratropium bromide)
Pregnancy & lactation
Use with caution.
Drug interactions
2 additional unreviewed or low-confidence interactions hidden because their provenance or source detail is insufficient.
Related guidelines
Other Antiseptic drugs
Ask House about Benzalkonium chloride
Continue into a citation-backed clinical answer with the drug context already attached.
Textbook-sourced·Sources: KD Tripathi 7e, BNF·Updated: 2026-05-13