cetrimide

Cetrimide is a quaternary ammonium antiseptic and surfactant used primarily for topical disinfection and wound cleansing. It acts by disrupting the cell membranes of bacteria and other microorganisms, leading to bactericidal effects against Gram-positive bacteria and some Gram-negative organisms at higher concentrations. Cetrimide also exhibits variable antifungal activity and is effective against some viruses but is ineffective against bacterial spores[1][6][8]. It is commonly formulated as creams or solutions (typically 0.1–3%) for use on minor burns, wounds, abrasions, scalds, or in medicated shampoos for seborrheic dermatitis[2][3][5]. Cetrimide was first developed by ICI (Imperial Chemical Industries) and introduced under the brand name Cetavlon; it has also been widely marketed in combination with chlorhexidine as Savlon[4]. Its primary indications are wound care (including accident wounds), skin infection prevention/treatment, surgical preparation of skin, seborrheic dermatitis management (as shampoo), and dental applications[4][5].

Brand names

CetavlonSavlon

Other names

alkyltrimethylammonium bromidecetrimonium bromidetetradonium bromidelaurtrimonium bromide