Antiseptic Agents

Question 1

Acetic acid (0.25%-0.5%): Effectiveness and acceptable uses

Answer 1

When diluted to a level that is noncytotoxic, solution is no longer bacteriostatic.

used for Pseudomonas infections; if infection persists after 2 weeks, use should be reassessed.

Question 2

Chloramine T

Answer 2

use is questionable. May be ok with short-term pulsed lavage in VERY infected wounds at 100-200ppm soln.

Question 3

Chlorhexidine gluconate (Hibiclens)

Answer 3

Used: cleanser for intact skin (avoid eyes); surgical scrub, hand washing solution for health care workers; perisurgical skin prep.

Question 4

Dakin’s solution (sodium hypochlorite, bleach): Effectiveness and Uses

Answer 4

Bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal; (when diluted to level that is not cytotoxic to human cells (0.005%) but is only bacteriostatic)

Used: cleaning surface of inanimate objects.

Question 5

Hydrogen Peroxide (3.0%): Effectiveness and Uses

Answer 5

cytotoxic to human cells even when diluted 1:50, at which point solution is no longer bactericidal.

Uses: removing dried blood and exudate over superficial wounds such as pin sites and sutures; rinse with normal saline after use.

Question 6

Povidone-iodine (Betadine)

Answer 6

Effectiveness: gram positive and gram-neg bacteria

Uses: surgical scrub on intact skin. 1.0% solution may be appropriate for short term use on acute wounds.