hexetidine

Hexetidine is a small molecule antiseptic agent with broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activity. It is commonly used as a topical mouthwash or oral rinse for the prevention and treatment of local infections in the oral cavity and pharynx—including streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat), tonsillitis, laryngitis, gingivitis, ulcerative stomatitis, oral thrush (candidiasis), Vincent's angina—as well as for postoperative hygiene following tonsillectomy or oral surgery[1][2][5]. It is also used for disinfection of the vaginal mucosa[2]. Mechanistically, hexetidine acts by competing with vitamin B1 (thiamine), which is essential for microbial growth; it binds to electronegative sites such as peptidoglycans in microbial cell walls and disrupts enzyme systems like succinyl-dehydrogenase[6]. This results in bactericidal and fungicidal effects. In addition to its antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive bacteria and *Candida albicans*[7], it has mild local anesthetic effects and some antiviral activity demonstrated *in vitro* against coronaviruses and influenza viruses[6].

Brand names

BactidolSterisolHexoral

Other names

HexetidinumHexetidinHexétidineHexetidina