benzethonium

Benzethonium is a synthetic quaternary ammonium salt with surfactant, antiseptic, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. It is primarily used as a topical antimicrobial agent in first aid antiseptics for cleaning hands and minor cuts or scrapes. Benzethonium exhibits activity against bacteria, fungi, mold and viruses by disrupting the cytoplasmic and outer membrane lipid bilayers of microorganisms—its positively charged quaternary nitrogen associates with acidic membrane phospholipids while its hydrophobic tail interacts with the membrane core. This leads to solubilization of membranes and cell lysis. Benzethonium may also induce apoptosis in cancer cells via mitochondrial or rough endoplasmic reticulum dysregulation. It is found in various over-the-counter products such as mouthwashes and anti-itch ointments at concentrations of 0.1–0.2%, which are considered safe by the FDA[1][4][6].

Brand names

New Skin BandageSalanineDiappQuatrachlorPolymine DPhemithynAntiseptolDisilynPhermerol

Other names

benzethonium chloride