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DERMATOLOGICALS › ANTISEPTICS AND DISINFECTANTS › ANTISEPTICS AND DISINFECTANTS › Phenol and derivatives
hexachlorophene
D08AE01
Forms & Strengths
- Topical emulsion/lotion 3%
Adult Dosing
- Surgical scrub: Apply 5 mL to hands and arms, scrub for 3 minutes, rinse thoroughly
- Hand hygiene: Apply a small amount, lather, wash for 1 minute, rinse
- Bathing/Skin cleansing: Use as a liquid cleanser for contaminated skin areas as directed
Pediatric Dosing
- Not recommended for neonates or infants due to high risk of systemic absorption and neurotoxicity
- Use in older children restricted to specific antiseptic indications under direct medical supervision
Indications
- Surgical scrub for medical personnel
- Hand antisepsis
- Bacteriostatic skin cleanser
Mechanism of Action
- Bisphenol antiseptic agent that binds to bacterial cell membranes
- Causes leakage of bacterial enzyme contents and bacterial cell lysis
- Particularly effective against Gram-positive organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to hexachlorophene
- Use on burned or denuded skin
- Use for routine bathing of infants
- Application to mucous membranes or eyes
Adverse Reactions
- Skin irritation, erythema, and dryness
- Photosensitivity reactions
- Systemic neurotoxicity (vacuolar myelinopathy) associated with absorption through damaged skin or infant skin
Drug Interactions
- None well-documented clinically significant systemic interactions via topical application, though concurrent use of other topical antimicrobials may increase skin irritation
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use