The compound used in preparing antiseptic ointment
Answers
An antiseptic is a chemical agent that slows or stops the growth of micro-organisms (germs) on external surfaces of the body and helps to prevent infections. Antiseptics should be distinguished from antibiotics that destroy micro-organisms inside the body, and from disinfectants, which destroy micro-organisms found on inanimate (non-living) objects. However, antiseptics are often referred to as skin disinfectants.
Most chemical agents can be used as both an antiseptic and a disinfectant. The purpose for which it is used is determined by its concentration. For example hydrogen peroxide 6% solution is used for cleansing wounds, while stronger solutions (> 30%) are used in industry as a bleach and oxidising agent.
The effectiveness and complete safety of antiseptics has proved to be quite difficult to establish.
Due to concern about the potential for systemic absorption, in December 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruled that 24 ingredients — including triclosan —used in non-prescription (over-the-counter) antiseptic products (such as hand washes, hand scrubs/rubs and patient antiseptic preparations) intended for use by health care professionals in a hospital setting or other health care situations outside the hospital, are generally not recognised as safe and effective (often due to inadequate data). The 24 ingredients will be classified as new drugs requiring regulatory approval for marketing from December 2018. A decision was deferred on a further six ingredients (benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, chloroxylenol, alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and povidone-iodine).