cetylpyridinium chloride

Cetylpyridinium chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound and cationic surfactant widely used as an antiseptic and disinfectant in over-the-counter oral care products such as mouthwashes, toothpastes, lozenges, throat sprays, breath sprays, and nasal sprays. It acts primarily by disrupting microbial cell membranes through its cationic surface-active properties. The positively charged hydrophilic region of the molecule interacts with bacterial cell surfaces and integrates into the cytoplasmic membrane via its hydrophobic tail. This leads to disruption of membrane integrity, leakage of cytoplasmic contents, interference with cellular metabolism and homeostasis (including osmoregulation), inhibition of cell growth, and ultimately cell death. Cetylpyridinium chloride demonstrates rapid bactericidal activity against gram-positive bacteria and fungicidal effects on yeasts but is less effective against gram-negative pathogens and mycobacteria. Its primary indications are for reducing dental plaque formation, gingivitis prevention/treatment, minor oral infections management (including oropharyngeal candidiasis), and as a preservative in pharmaceutical formulations[1][2][3][4][5][6][8].

Brand names

Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection

Other names

cetylpyridiniumCPC1-hexadecylpyridinium chloride