Drug reference

Benzalkonium chloride

Antiseptic · Topical Antiseptic

AntisepticTopical Antiseptic

CDSCO approvedSchedule H

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

—

none in our sources

PREGNANCY

Use with caution.

FDA category + note

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

sterile storage of instrumentsdouchesirrigation

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

Serious

Paradoxical bronchoconstriction (when used as an antibacterial additive in nebulized ipratropium bromide)

Pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy

Use with caution.

Drug interactions

Sodium Hyaluronate

Moderate

Database

Reduced efficacy of sodium hyaluronate, potential for increased irritation at the injection site, or formation of precipitates.

Avoid co-administration or ensure adequate flushing between applications if benzalkonium chloride-containing disinfectants are used prior to intra-articular sodium hyaluronate injection. Use alternative disinfectants (e.g., povidone-iodine).

1 additional low-confidence interaction hidden — those rows lack a documented mechanism or management plan in our sources.