dequalinium

Dequalinium is a quaternary ammonium cation antimicrobial agent with broad-spectrum activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeasts (including Candida), fungi, protozoa (such as Trichomonas), and some viruses. It is commonly used as an antiseptic and disinfectant in the form of lozenges for oral infections (such as sore throat, tonsillitis, stomatitis) and as vaginal tablets for bacterial vaginosis and other vaginal infections[1][3][5]. Dequalinium acts by increasing microbial cell membrane permeability leading to loss of enzyme activity; it denatures proteins involved in the respiratory chain and glycolysis within bacteria—disrupting metabolism—and can intercalate into DNA causing precipitation of nucleic acids[1][6][8]. It also inhibits bacterial F1-ATPase affecting ATP synthesis. The compound has been investigated for additional properties including antifungal, antiparasitic, antiviral effects as well as anticancer and neuroprotective actions[1][4]. First introduced in the 1950s as an antiseptic/disinfectant agent.

Brand names

DequadinFluomizinVablysNaxyl

Other names

dequalinium chloridedequalinium acetatedequalinium bromidedequalinium iodideDQC