taurolidine citrate

Taurolidine citrate is a combination antimicrobial and anticoagulant catheter lock solution used primarily to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections and maintain catheter patency. The formulation combines two active ingredients: - **Taurolidine** is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent derived from taurine. It acts by releasing methylol groups that irreversibly bind to microbial cell walls, leading to loss of cell wall integrity and microbial death. It also reduces bacterial adhesion and neutralizes bacterial endo- and exotoxins. Notably, it does not induce resistance as it functions as an antiseptic rather than an antibiotic. - **Citrate** serves as an anticoagulant by chelating calcium ions in the blood, thereby disrupting the coagulation cascade locally within the catheter lumen. The combination is used prophylactically in patients with central venous catheters (CVCs), especially those at high risk for infection such as cancer patients or those requiring long-term vascular access. In November 2023, a formulation containing taurolidine with heparin (Defencath) received FDA approval for prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections in specific patient populations[1][2][4]. The product has demonstrated efficacy against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi[1][4].

Brand names

DefencathTauroLockTCS Taurolidine-Citrate Solution

Other names

taurolidine-citrate lock solutiontaurolock-citratetauro-citrate lock solution