What are Some Examples of Antiseptics?

Antiseptics also known as bacteriostatic agents inhibit the growth of germs but do not kill, microorganisms. Antiseptic generally applied to the skin or mucous membranes. Some also are used as cleansing agents. Some antiseptic such as iodine and hydrogen peroxide operate by oxidizing and thus destroying compounds essential to the normal functioning of bacteria.

Example of Antiseptic

Examples of Antiseptics

Some examples of antiseptics are given below:

• Soap – Some soaps contains small amounts of antiseptic substances which inhibits but not kill bacteria and fungi. The most frequent added antiseptic to soap are triclosan, triclocarbon, chloroxylenol. But usually soaps containing antiseptics are not recommended.

• Methylated spirits – Industrial methylated spirit is used as a rapid antiseptic in neonatal intensive care prior to invasive procedures such as venipuncture or lumbar punctures. It is also used with other antiseptics such as iodine or chlorohexidine.

• Hydrogen peroxide – Hydrogen peroxide has been commonly used as an antiseptic for all types of wounds as an adjunct to surgery, and as a treatment for chronic conditions. It is also used in the treatment of periodontal diseases and for root canal debridement during endodontic therapy.

• Dettol (a mixture of chloro xylenol and terpeneol in a suitable solvent) – Dettol was bactericidal against the wide range of microorganism tested, achieving a complete kill of the inoculum within 10min at dilutions in excess of the recommended use dilution.

• Tincture – Tincture is a renowned antiseptic against all internal and external infections. When tincture is used internally it promotes sweating and urination, so it may aggravate night sweats and hot flashes.