Chloroxylenol: Difference between revisions
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= Chloroxylenol = | {{Short description|Overview of the antiseptic agent Chloroxylenol}} | ||
{{Infobox drug | |||
| name = Chloroxylenol | |||
| image = Chloroxylenol.svg | |||
| width = 200px | |||
| alt = | |||
| caption = Chemical structure of Chloroxylenol | |||
| tradename = Dettol, others | |||
| class = Antiseptic | |||
| legal_status = OTC | |||
| routes_of_administration = Topical | |||
| CAS_number = 88-04-0 | |||
}} | |||
'''Chloroxylenol''' is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent commonly used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. It is effective against a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, making it a popular choice in healthcare settings and household products. | |||
== | ==Chemical Properties== | ||
Chloroxylenol, also known as para-chloro-meta-xylenol (PCMX), is a chlorinated phenolic compound. Its chemical formula is C<sub>8</sub>H<sub>9</sub>ClO, and it has a molecular weight of 156.61 g/mol. The compound appears as a white to off-white crystalline solid with a mild phenolic odor. | |||
== | ==Mechanism of Action== | ||
Chloroxylenol | Chloroxylenol works by disrupting the cell wall and membrane of microorganisms, leading to cell lysis and death. It is particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria, although it also has activity against Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and some viruses. | ||
==Uses== | |||
Chloroxylenol is widely used in various applications, including: | |||
* '''Antiseptic Soaps and Handwashes''': It is a key ingredient in many antiseptic soaps and handwashes, such as Dettol, where it helps reduce the spread of infections. | |||
* '''Surface Disinfectants''': Used in hospitals and clinics to disinfect surfaces and equipment. | |||
* | * '''Wound Cleansers''': Applied to minor cuts, abrasions, and burns to prevent infection. | ||
* | * '''Household Cleaners''': Incorporated into household cleaning products to sanitize surfaces. | ||
== | ==Safety and Precautions== | ||
Chloroxylenol is | Chloroxylenol is generally safe for use in the concentrations found in consumer products. However, it can cause skin irritation in some individuals, particularly with prolonged exposure. It should not be ingested, and care should be taken to avoid contact with the eyes. | ||
== | ==Regulation and Availability== | ||
Chloroxylenol is available over-the-counter in many countries. It is regulated by health authorities to ensure safety and efficacy in consumer products. | |||
== | ==Also see== | ||
* [[Antiseptic]] | |||
* [[Disinfectant]] | |||
* [[Phenolic compounds]] | |||
* [[Infection control]] | |||
==References== | |||
* "Chloroxylenol." PubChem, National Center for Biotechnology Information. | |||
* "Antiseptics and Disinfectants: Activity, Action, and Resistance." Clinical Microbiology Reviews. | |||
== References == | |||
* | |||
* | |||
[[Category:Antiseptics]] | [[Category:Antiseptics]] | ||
[[Category:Disinfectants]] | [[Category:Disinfectants]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Phenols]] | ||
Revision as of 02:43, 11 December 2024
Overview of the antiseptic agent Chloroxylenol
| Chloroxylenol | |
|---|---|
| |
| INN | |
| Drug class | Antiseptic |
| Routes of administration | Topical |
| Pregnancy category | |
| Bioavailability | |
| Metabolism | |
| Elimination half-life | |
| Excretion | |
| Legal status | OTC |
| CAS Number | 88-04-0 |
| PubChem | |
| DrugBank | |
| ChemSpider | |
| KEGG | |
Chloroxylenol is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent commonly used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. It is effective against a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, making it a popular choice in healthcare settings and household products.
Chemical Properties
Chloroxylenol, also known as para-chloro-meta-xylenol (PCMX), is a chlorinated phenolic compound. Its chemical formula is C8H9ClO, and it has a molecular weight of 156.61 g/mol. The compound appears as a white to off-white crystalline solid with a mild phenolic odor.
Mechanism of Action
Chloroxylenol works by disrupting the cell wall and membrane of microorganisms, leading to cell lysis and death. It is particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria, although it also has activity against Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and some viruses.
Uses
Chloroxylenol is widely used in various applications, including:
- Antiseptic Soaps and Handwashes: It is a key ingredient in many antiseptic soaps and handwashes, such as Dettol, where it helps reduce the spread of infections.
- Surface Disinfectants: Used in hospitals and clinics to disinfect surfaces and equipment.
- Wound Cleansers: Applied to minor cuts, abrasions, and burns to prevent infection.
- Household Cleaners: Incorporated into household cleaning products to sanitize surfaces.
Safety and Precautions
Chloroxylenol is generally safe for use in the concentrations found in consumer products. However, it can cause skin irritation in some individuals, particularly with prolonged exposure. It should not be ingested, and care should be taken to avoid contact with the eyes.
Regulation and Availability
Chloroxylenol is available over-the-counter in many countries. It is regulated by health authorities to ensure safety and efficacy in consumer products.
Also see
References
- "Chloroxylenol." PubChem, National Center for Biotechnology Information.
- "Antiseptics and Disinfectants: Activity, Action, and Resistance." Clinical Microbiology Reviews.
