Drug reference
hexachlorophene
Phenol derivatives
Phenol derivatives
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Mechanism
Hexachlorophene acts by inhibiting bacterial enzymes and (in high concentration) causing bacterial lysis. Its degerming action is slow but persistent due to deposition on the skin as a fine film.
Indications
surgical scrubpatient's skin cleansingdeodorant in toilet products
Contraindications
- preparations containing > 2%
Side effects
Serious
- brain damage (especially in premature neonates)
Related guidelines
Trauma in elderly and frail patients
WSES · Surgery · 2023
Acute coronary syndrome in chronic kidney disease
CSI · Cardiology · 2020
Inpatient hyperglycaemia management
ADA · Endocrinology · 2000
Vaccination in adults with diabetes
RSSDI · Endocrinology · 2024
Hypertension in diabetes
RSSDI · Endocrinology · 2022
Other Phenol derivatives drugs
Ask House about hexachlorophene
Continue into a citation-backed clinical answer with the drug context already attached.
Sources: KD Tripathi 7e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team