Savlon

Savlon is a widely available over-the-counter topical antiseptic cream containing the active ingredients cetrimide and chlorhexidine digluconate. It is primarily used for the treatment of minor skin injuries, burns, and abrasions to prevent infection. In the specific context of clinical research conducted by the Fundación FLS de Lucha Contra el Sida, las Enfermedades Infecciosas y la Promoción de la Salud y la Ciencia, Savlon was utilized as an active comparator in a Phase 2 cluster-randomized trial in rural Papua New Guinea. This study evaluated the efficacy of traditional plant-based antiseptics (such as *Ficus septica* and *Pterocarpus indicus* exudates) against Savlon for the healing of small infected cutaneous ulcers in children. Savlon exerts its therapeutic effect through broad-spectrum antibacterial activity; chlorhexidine disrupts microbial cell membranes, while cetrimide acts as a quaternary ammonium disinfectant that further destabilizes cell structures and denatures proteins.

Brand names

SavlonSavlon Antiseptic Cream

Other names

cetrimide + chlorhexidine digluconate