Soap
Moderate
Database
Cationic-anionic neutralisation
Rinse with water, not soap
Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla
Drug reference
dequalinium chloride
Topical antiseptic (quaternary ammonium bisquinaldinium)
START
BV: 10 mg vaginal tablet once daily at bedtime ×6 days
TYPICAL MAX
10 mg vaginally daily × 6 days
STOP IF
Severe local hypersensitivity
WATCH
Vaginal candidiasis post-treatment; partner not routinely treated
CDSCO approvedATC G01AC05
KDIGO 2024 + manufacturer label
- ONSET
- 30min · local
- PEAK
- 2h · local peak
- t½
- 36s · topical
- DURATION
- 1d · per dose
EXCRETION
Local — negligible systemic
route + CYP
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
Considered acceptable (minimal systemic absorption); avoid first trimester unless essential.
FDA category + note
Mechanism
Cationic quaternary ammonium compound that disrupts microbial cell membranes (broad bactericidal / fungicidal action), used as a topical antiseptic; vaginal tablets approved in Europe for bacterial vaginosis.
Indications
Bacterial vaginosis (intravaginal tablet)Oral / pharyngeal antiseptic (lozenges)Topical antiseptic
Dosing
- Adult
- BV: 10 mg vaginal tablet once daily at bedtime for 6 days. Oral antiseptic lozenges: as labelled.
- Pediatric
- Not established for vaginal preparation.
- Renal adjustment
- No adjustment (topical / local).
- Hepatic adjustment
- No adjustment.
- Geriatric
- Standard topical use.
- Max dose
- 10 mg vaginally daily for 6 days
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Local effect immediate
Peak effect
Local — sustained while in contact
Duration
Per dose; 6-day BV course
Half-life
Not applicable (topical; negligible absorption)
Bioavailability
Negligible systemic
Protein binding
Not applicable
Metabolism
Negligible systemic metabolism
Excretion
Local clearance
Contraindications
- Vaginal/cervical ulceration
- Hypersensitivity
- Sexually-active period without proper application timing
Side effects
Common
Vaginal irritation (vaginal use)Mild burningVaginal candidiasis (post-treatment)Local skin reactions
Serious
- Severe local hypersensitivity (rare)
- Severe contact dermatitis
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
Considered acceptable (minimal systemic absorption); avoid first trimester unless essential.
Lactation
Compatible (minimal systemic absorption).
Drug interactions
Latex Barriers
Mild
Database
Possible weakening
Caution within hours of insertion
Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla
Other Topical Antifungals
Mild
Database
Avoid stacking
Use one agent at a time
Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla
Spermicides
Mild
Database
Possible interaction
Separate timing
Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla
Systemic Drugs
Mild
Database
Negligible absorption
No action
Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla
Related guidelines
Ask House about dequalinium chloride
Continue into a citation-backed clinical answer with the drug context already attached.
Sources: KD Tripathi 7e·Verified: 2026-05-20 · House clinical team·Cockpit curated: 2026-05-20