Mode of Action of Disinfectant Solutions : Pharmaceutical Guidelines

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Mode of Action of Disinfectant Solutions

Different types of disinfectant solutions, used concentration, their mode of action and available brands in market.
A lot of disinfectants are used for sanitization and disinfection in pharmaceutical industries. These have different antimicrobial properties based on their
mode of action. Disinfectants having different mode of actions are helpful to prevent the development of the resistance in microbes.

Mode of Action of Different Disinfectants:

1. Aldehydes: Aldehydes have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and sporicidal activity. These are helpful to destroy the spores of Bacillus
subtilisandClostridium sporogenes. Glutaraldehyde and formaldehyde are commonly used aldehydes in disinfectants. 2% solution inhibits the enzymes
activity in the cell, denature the cell proteins.
Example: Glutarex contains glutaraldehyde.
2. Alcohols: All types of alcohols are antiseptic and antiviral agents. These are highly effective in
combination with water. These are effective against Poliovirus and Rhinovirus. 70 % solutions of Ethyl
alcohol and Isopropyl alcohol are commonly used as hand disinfectants in pharmaceuticals. Alcohol
denatures the cell wall proteins.
Example: Triclogel contains 75% ethanol.
3. Chlorine and Sodium Hypochlorite: Chlorine or Sodium Hypochlorite is generally used in
waterdisinfection. This is a sporicidal agent and acts against the spores forming bacteria. It is an oxidizing
agent and reacts with the enzymes of the cell.
4. Phenols: Chlorocresol and Chloroxylenol are used as disinfectants. These are general disinfectants and
also have antifungal and antiviral properties. It denatures the proteins and enzymes of the cells.
Example: Dettol contains Chloroxylenol and Lysol contains p-Chloro-o-benzylphenol.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2): It is also an oxidizing agent that reacts with the proteins and DNA of the cell. A 5% solution in water is effective against the
bacteria and fungus. it is very effective in water system sanitation. High concentrations (10-30%) are effective against bacterial spores and viruses. It acts as
oxidant and attracts on essential cell components as DNA, lipids and proteins.
Example:Gramicid contains Hydrogen peroxide and Silver compound.
6. Benzalkonium Chloride:A 0.0002% solution is effective against the vegetative cells. It increases the permeability of the cell membrane and causes the
coagulation of cell contents.
7. Chlorhexidine Gluconate: It is a general antiseptic. A 0.5% solution kills the all bacterial vegetative cells. It destroys the cell content by coagulation.
Example: Savlon contains Chlorhexidine gluconate and cetrimide.
Disinfectants used for sanitation and cleaning in pharmaceutical industries must be selected on the basis of their mechanism of action. Disinfectants having
same mechanism may lead to develop the resistance in microbes. Therefore, the disinfectants should have difference in their mode of action. For example if
you have to select three disinfectants then the combination may be - one containing Aldehyde, one containing Hydrogen Peroxide and other should
contain Benzalkonium Chloride.
Ankur Choudhary is India's first professional pharmaceutical blogger, author and founder of Pharmaceutical Guidelines, a widely-read pharmaceutical
blog since 2008. Sign-up for the free email updates for your daily dose of pharmaceutical tips.
Email: info@pharmaguideline.com. Need Help: Ask Question

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8/4/2016 7:45 AM