MedPath

Benzalkonium

Generic Name
Benzalkonium
Brand Names
BZK Pads, Band-aid Hurt-free, Diphen, Revitaderm Wound Care
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Unique Ingredient Identifier
7N6JUD5X6Y

Overview

Benzalkonium is a quaternary ammonium compound used as a biocide, a cationic surfactant, and as a phase transfer agent . Benzalkonium is more commonly contained in consumer products in its salt form, benzalkonium chloride . This salt is used in a great variety of international pharmaceutical products such as eye, ear, and nasal drops or sprays as an excipient ingredient serving as an antimicrobial preservative . When used as an ingredient in antiseptic and disinfectant products however, it is an active antimicrobial agent .

Background

Benzalkonium is a quaternary ammonium compound used as a biocide, a cationic surfactant, and as a phase transfer agent . Benzalkonium is more commonly contained in consumer products in its salt form, benzalkonium chloride . This salt is used in a great variety of international pharmaceutical products such as eye, ear, and nasal drops or sprays as an excipient ingredient serving as an antimicrobial preservative . When used as an ingredient in antiseptic and disinfectant products however, it is an active antimicrobial agent .

Indication

When used as an active ingredient in products like antibacterial, antiseptic, or disinfectant soaps, topical sanitizers, or cleaning agents, benzalkonium is primarily implemented in its salt form, benzalkonium chloride, where it may often be the only active ingredient present and indicated for the primary purpose of topical washing to decrease bacteria on skin . Conversely, when implemented as an excipient ingredient in a variety of multidose aqueous nose, eye, or ear products, benzalkonium chloride is being used as the antimicrobial preservative of choice to facilitate effective bactericidal and fungicidal actions to help minimize the growth of unwanted organisms in the multidose containers .

Associated Conditions

  • Diaper Dermatitis
  • Dry Eye Syndrome (DES)
  • Eye and eyelid infections
  • Gingivitis
  • Haemorrhoids
  • Infantile Eczema
  • Mouth irritation
  • Pruritus Ani
  • Tonsillitis
  • Throat inflammation

FDA Approved Products

Algonquin HanClean Foam
Manufacturer:Whisk Products, Inc.
Route:TOPICAL
Strength:1 mg in 1 mL
Approved: 2025/03/03
NDC:65585-530
Hand Wash
Manufacturer:United Natural Foods, Inc. dba UNFI
Route:TOPICAL
Strength:1.3 mg in 1 mL
Approved: 2025/04/09
NDC:41163-628
Hand Wash
Manufacturer:Permatex
Route:TOPICAL
Strength:1.3 mg in 1 mL
Approved: 2025/03/03
NDC:70616-628
Ben E. Keith FIHS
Manufacturer:Ben E. Keith Foods
Route:TOPICAL
Strength:1.3 mg in 1 mL
Approved: 2025/03/03
NDC:50980-207
Zep FS Antimicrobial Hand Cleaner
Manufacturer:Zep Inc.
Route:TOPICAL
Strength:0.13 g in 100 mL
Approved: 2025/05/15
NDC:66949-105

Singapore Approved Products

QV FLARE UP BATH OIL
Manufacturer:EGO PHARMACEUTICALS PTY LTD
Form:LOTION
Strength:6% w/w
Online:Yes
Approved: 2001/03/19
Approval:SIN11468P
DORITHRICIN THROAT LOZENGES
Manufacturer:Medice Arzneimittel Pütter GmbH & Co. KG
Form:LOZENGE
Strength:1.0 mg
Online:Yes
Approved: 1990/05/03
Approval:SIN04392P
ORA-SED JEL
Manufacturer:HAMILTON PHARMACEUTICAL PTY LTD
Form:GEL
Strength:0.1 mg/ml
Online:Yes
Approved: 1990/07/16
Approval:SIN04948P

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