What is an antiseptic? What are they? Antiseptic for wound treatment. Antiseptic drugs - names, reviews, prices

Antimicrobials, have a detrimental effect on microorganisms outside the environment human body, are divided into two groups: disinfectants and antiseptics.

Disinfectants are used to destroy microorganisms in the external environment(furniture, dishes, clothing, patient care items). These include drugs, mainly denaturing proteins, acting indiscriminately on the cells of macro- and microorganisms. They are usually highly toxic to humans.

Antiseptics- medicinal substances that suppress microorganisms on the surface of the body: on the skin and mucous membranes. They are used externally: for treating the skin, mucous membranes, or for washing cavities. For children, substances are used that do not penetrate deep into tissues and are poorly absorbed into the blood, taking into account less perfect tissue barriers, especially at an early age. Drugs used in pediatrics should not cause irritation or damage to the skin and mucous membranes. Antiseptics - large group medicines with different mechanisms of antimicrobial action, they predominantly cause a bactericidal effect. Many of them denature the protein and do not have selectivity towards microorganisms. Drugs from other groups that have antimicrobial properties can also be used as antiseptics: antibiotics, sulfonamides, hydroxyquinolines, nitrofurans, some organic acids, etc.

Disinfectants and antiseptics include:

1. Halogens: chlorine preparations (chloramine B, bleach, pantocid, hexachloraphen, chlorhexidine); iodine preparations (alcoholic iodine solution, iodinol, iodoform, iodonate). The mechanism of their antimicrobial action is that the released halogen denatures proteins.

Chlorine preparations. A solution of chloramine B is used primarily for the disinfection of dishes, furniture, non-metallic instruments, for the disinfection of patient care items, bleach is used for the disinfection of garbage dumps, cesspools, etc. Pantocide is used mainly for the disinfection of water, for which one tablet is diluted in a certain volume of water . It can also be used to disinfect hands.

Hexachloraphen used to treat wounds, surgical field, for bathing newborns (3% solution). It is inactive against gram-negative bacteria. At long-term use may cause spongy encephalopathy.

Chlorhexidine (gebitane, gibiclens) destroys gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi (of the genus Candida). Used for treating the surgical field in children and for bathing newborns. The drug is more effective than hexachloraphen and does not cause significant complications.

Iodine preparations. They are used with caution in children, since molecular iodine causes irritation to the skin and mucous membranes, can lead to burns, and when lubricated on surfaces, when absorbed, it creates concentrations in the blood that inhibit the secretion of the thyroid gland.

Iodinol used externally for tonsillitis, purulent otitis, rhinitis, purulent surgical diseases, trophic ulcers, thermal and chemical burns. The drug contains active molecular iodine in polyvinyl alcohol, which delays the release of iodine and prolongs its interaction with tissues.

Iodonate- aqueous complex of iodine solution with surface active substance. Used to treat the surgical field as a substitute for an alcohol solution of iodine. Both components of the drug have a bactericidal effect, suppressing staphylo- and streptococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and fungi.

Alcohol solutions of iodine(3-5%) mainly used in children older than a year for treatment of the surgical field, for the treatment of boils and other infectious lesions skin. The use of these solutions for treating the remaining umbilical cord in newborns is undesirable; firstly, the alcohol solution can damage the baby’s skin; secondly, microorganisms can remain under the resulting crust of coagulated protein.

2. Oxidizers: hydrogen peroxide solution, potassium permanganate. A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is used to wash wounds and stop minor bleeding. Upon contact with the wound surface, H2O2 decomposes and atomic oxygen is released. It damages the cell membranes of microorganisms, and the resulting foam mechanically cleans the wound. Available in the form of a concentrated solution called “Perhydrol”.

Potassium permanganate used in the form of aqueous solutions for washing wounds (0.1-0.5%) and for cauterizing ulcerative and burn surfaces (2-5%), for treating umbilical wound. It is used with for preventive purposes while bathing newborns (0.01-0.05%). In all cases, the preservation of crystals in solutions is unacceptable, since they can cause chemical burns of the mucous membranes and skin and damage the stratum corneum. If a burn does occur, the skin must be washed with a 1% solution. ascorbic acid, which can prevent and eliminate the damaging effects of the drug on the skin.

3. Acids and alkalis: salicylic acid, benzoic acid, boric acid, sodium tetraborate, etc.

Salicylic acid used externally as an antiseptic, irritant and keratolytic agent in ointments, powders, and in the form of alcohol solutions. Part of the official dosage forms: liniment "Camphocin", powder "Galmanin", callus liquid, etc.

Benzoic acid used externally as a bactericidal and fungicidal agent. When taken orally, it enhances the secretion of the bronchial mucosa, so it is used orally in the form sodium salt for bronchitis as an expectorant.

Boric acid used as an antiseptic in powders, ointments, in the form of aqueous and alcoholic solutions. It is absolutely contraindicated for newborns and young children, since it is easily absorbed into the blood from damaged skin, as well as from mucous membranes, and can cause severe intoxication with a fatal outcome. Boric acid accumulates in tissues, where it quickly penetrates from the blood plasma, reducing peripheral vascular resistance (causing a fall in blood pressure) with a weakening of their response to vasoconstrictors. Besides, boric acid causes a nephrotoxic effect.

Sodium tetraborate (borax, borax) has a fungicidal effect; used externally for washing, douching, rinsing.

4. Aldehydes: formaldehyde solution, hexamethylenetetramine, etc.

Formaldehyde solution (formalin) used as a disinfectant and deodorizing agent for washing hands, skin, and for disinfecting instruments. Contains lysoform (formalin soap solution).

Hexamethylenetetramine (urotropine) used as an antiseptic urinary tract, because in acidic environment capable of breaking down to form formaldehyde. Available in the form of powder, tablets, 40% solution in ampoules of 5 and 10 ml. Included in complex tablets "Urosal", "Kaltsex".

5. Alcohols: ethyl alcohol of various concentrations (96-40%) is used externally as an antiseptic and irritant in the form of compresses, rubdowns, for sterilization suture material, surgical instruments etc.

6. Salts heavy metals : mercury preparations (mercury amidochloride), silver preparations (silver nitrate, protargol, collargol), zinc preparations (zinc oxide, zinc sulfate), bismuth preparations (dermatol, bismuth basic nitrate).

Silver preparations. Silver nitrate is used for cauterization with erosions, ulcers, cracks, granulations (lapis). In the form of solutions of small concentrations, it has an astringent and anti-inflammatory effect.

Protargol in the form of solutions, it is used as an astringent, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agent. Available in the form eye drops.

Collargol used for washing purulent wounds, when erysipelas, purulent conjunctivitis. Sometimes collargol solution is used intranasally for inflammation of the mucous membrane. It should be noted that no more than 2 drops of a 2% solution can be instilled into a child’s nasal passage. Large quantity the solution may get on back wall pharynx and cause a reflex cessation of breathing. The younger the child, the higher the risk of this complication.

Zinc preparations- zinc sulfate is used in the form of eye drop solutions. Zinc oxide is part of complex official ointments and powders and has an anti-inflammatory and drying effect.

Bismuth preparations- basic bismuth nitrate, xeroform and dermatol have antimicrobial and astringent properties. Bismuth is able to bind sulfhydryl groups of microbial enzymes, or, depending on the concentration of the drug, denature their proteins. Dermatol and xeroform are included in many powders, ointments and pastes and are used only externally. The main bismuth nitrate is used to treat enteritis and colitis; it is part of complex dosage forms: vikalin, vikair.

7. Dyes: methylene blue, brilliant green, ethacridine lactate. They are used to treat the skin and mucous membranes with preventive and medicinal purposes. Can be used in newborns. Cations of these substances displace hydrogen from compounds necessary for the life of bacteria. As a result, a bacteriostatic or bactericidal effect occurs, but mainly against gram-positive bacteria and fungi; gram-negative bacteria are minimally affected.

Methylene blue is a predominantly bacteriostatic drug and is produced in the form of aqueous and alcoholic solutions. For newborns, aqueous solutions are preferable, since alcohol can disrupt the normal structure and function of the skin. 1-2% solutions are used to treat pyoderma, individual boils, thrush, and in adults and children to treat the oral cavity with stomatitis.

Brilliant green is used in the form of 1-2% alcohol or aqueous solutions. In newborns, a 1% aqueous solution is preferred for the treatment of pyoderma, conjunctivitis, and for the treatment of the umbilical cord.

Ethacridine lactate (rivanol) predominantly affects Gram-positive cocci. It is used in the form of 0.1-0.2% solutions, impregnating them with tampons, wipes applied to infected skin areas. For conjunctivitis, use a 0.1% solution to wash the eyes.

8. Phenol derivatives: resorcinol, ichthyol and albichtol.

Solutions of phenol itself are used only for disinfection of linen, care items, tools, furniture, for the preservation of medicinal substances, serums, etc.

Resorcinol used externally for treatment skin diseases in the form of ointments, aqueous and alcoholic solutions.

Phenyl salicylate (salol) used internally for inflammatory bowel diseases. IN alkaline environment intestinal phenyl salicylate breaks down into salicylic acid and phenol, which have a depressing effect on intestinal microflora. Use for children early age not recommended due to the risk of damage to the intestinal mucosa.

Benzonafthol used for diseases gastrointestinal tract as an antiseptic.

Vagotil- aqueous solution of cresol sulfonic acid. Used in gynecology for treatment inflammatory processes cervix, vagina. It has a trichomonadocidal effect, accelerates regeneration, has a local vasoconstrictive effect.

Antiseptics (antiseptics) are substances that destroy microorganisms or delay their or development.

Antiseptics are more or less active against all microorganisms, that is, unlike chemotherapeutic agents, they do not have a selective action. Action antiseptics, leading to a delay in the development or reproduction of microorganisms, is called bacteriostatic, to their death -. Last effect can be called a disinfectant. Some antiseptics can have both bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects, which depends on their concentration and duration of action, the sensitivity of microorganisms to them, temperature, and the presence of organic substances in the environment (pus, blood weaken the effect of some antiseptics).

Antiseptics are very different in nature. The following groups are distinguished. I. Halides: , iodine, . II. Oxidizing agents: potassium permanganate, . III. Acids: , salicylic. IV. : . V. Compounds of heavy metals: , (xeroform), copper, . VI. (ethyl, etc.). VII. : , lysoform, . VIII. : , lysol, phenol. IX. Tars, resins, petroleum products, mineral oils, synthetic, preparations (tar, refined naftalan oil,). X. Dyes: , methylene blue, . XI. Nitrofuran derivatives: . XII. 8-hydroxycholine derivatives: . XIII. Surfactants, or detergents: diocide. They are also used as antiseptics for external use () and.

To characterize the antimicrobial activity of antiseptics, the phenol coefficient is used, which shows the strength of the antimicrobial action this tool compared to phenol.

Antiseptics are used topically in the treatment of infected and long-term non-healing wounds or ulcers, phlegmon, mastitis, joint injuries, diseases of the mucous membranes, for washing Bladder, urethra, as well as for premises, linen, objects, surgeon’s hands, instruments, disinfection of secretions. For treatment common infections Antiseptics are usually not used.

Contraindications for use, as well as a description of individual antiseptics - see the articles on the names of the drugs [for example, etc.].

Antiseptics are antimicrobial substances used for local action in the treatment of purulent, inflammatory and septic processes (infected and long-term non-healing wounds or ulcers, bedsores, abscesses, phlegmon, mastitis, joint injuries, pyoderma, diseases of the mucous membranes), as well as for disinfection premises, linen, patient care items, surgeon's hands, instruments, disinfection of secretions. These substances are usually not used to treat general infections.

Antiseptic agents act hermistatically, and in high concentrations exhibit germicidal action. Therefore, some antiseptics can be used as disinfectants (see). In addition, antiseptics are used to preserve medicines and food products. The antimicrobial activity of antiseptics is expressed using the phenol coefficient - the ratio of the bactericidal concentration of phenol to the bactericidal concentration of a given antiseptic.

The degree of effectiveness of antiseptics depends on a number of conditions: the sensitivity of the microorganism to it, the concentration of the antiseptic, the solvent in which it is used, temperature, and the time of exposure to the drug. Many antiseptics lose activity to a greater or lesser extent in the presence of proteins, so it is advisable to use them only after cleansing infected surfaces of exudate. Antiseptics act on all types of bacteria and other microorganisms, without showing the selectivity inherent in chemotherapeutic substances. Many antiseptics can damage living cells of the macroorganism. As a result, the assessment of antiseptics necessarily includes determining their toxicity to humans and animals using the “toxicity index” - the ratio between the minimum concentration of the drug that causes the death of the test microorganism within 10 minutes, and maximum concentration the same drug, which does not suppress the growth of chicken embryo tissue culture. For medical practice, the most valuable are antiseptics, which, other things being equal, have the least toxicity.

Antiseptics are diverse in nature. They can be divided into the following groups. I. Halides: chlorine gas, bleach, chloramines, pantocid, antiformin, iodine, iodoform. II. Oxidizing agents: hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate, bertholet's salt (potassium hypochlorite). III. Acids: sulfuric, chromic, boric, acetic, trichloroacetic, undecylenic, benzoic, salicylic, mandelic and some others. IV. Alkalis: calcium oxide, ammonia, soda, borax. V. Compounds of heavy metals: 1) mercury; 2) silver; 3) aluminum - basic aluminum acetate (Burov's liquid), alum; 4) lead - basic lead acetate (lead water); 5) bismuth - xeroform, dermatol, basic bismuth nitrate; 6) copper - copper sulfate, copper citrate; 7) zinc - zinc sulfate, zinc oxide. VI. Alcohols: ethyl, isopropyl, trichloroisobutyl, some glycols. VII. Aldehydes: formaldehyde, hexamethylenetetramine (urotropine). VIII. Phenols: phenol, or carbolic acid, cresol, creolin, parachlorophenol, pentachlorophenol, hexachlorophen, resorcinol, thymol, tricresol, phenyl salicylate (salol), benzonaphthol. IX. Products of dry distillation of organic materials: various resins and tars, ichthyol, albichtol. X. Dyes: brilliant green, rivanol, trypaflavin, methylene blue and gentian violet. XI. Nitrofuran derivatives: furatsilin, furadonnn, furazolpdon. XII. 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives: quinozol, yatrene. XIII. Surfactants, or detergents. There are cationic, anionic and nonionic detergents. Cationic detergents (for example, cetylpyridinium bromide) are most active. XIV. Antibiotics (see): gramicidin, neomycin, microcide, usnic acid. XV. Phytoncides (see): preparations of garlic, onion, St. John's wort, burnet, eucalyptus, etc.

The mechanism of action of antiseptics is different and is determined by their chemical and physical and chemical properties. Antimicrobial action acids, alkalis and salts depend on the degree of their dissociation: the more a compound dissociates, the greater its activity. Alkalis hydrolyze proteins, saponify fats, and break down carbohydrates of microbial cells. The effect of salts is also associated with changes osmotic pressure and impaired permeability of cell membranes. The effect of antiseptics that lower surface tension (soaps, detergents) is also associated with changes in the permeability of bacterial membranes. The effect of heavy metal salts is explained by their ability to bind sulfhydryl groups of substances in the bacterial cell. Antiseptic action formaldehyde is due to its ability to denature proteins. Compounds of the phenol group have detergent properties and are capable of denaturing proteins. Oxidizing agents cause the death of microbial cells as a result of their oxidation components. The mechanism of action of chlorine and chlorine-containing compounds is associated with the formation of hypochlorous acid (HClO), which acts both as an oxidizing agent, releasing oxygen, and as a means of chlorinating the amino and imino groups of proteins and other substances that make up microorganisms. Antimicrobial action dyes are associated with their ability to selectively react with certain acidic or basic groups of substances in bacterial cells with the formation of sparingly soluble weakly ionizing complexes. The antimicrobial effect of nitrofuran derivatives is due to the presence of an aromatic nitro group in their molecule. Antiseptics inhibit the activity of many bacterial enzymes. For example, the bactericidal effect of antiseptics is closely related to their ability to inhibit the dehydrase activity of bacteria. Under the influence of antiseptics, the process of cell division stops and morphological changes occur, accompanied by a violation cell structure. Separate antiseptics - see the relevant articles.

Even a minor injury can cause serious problems with health. Open wounds are especially dangerous. Bacteria and viruses can enter the affected area. Purulent infection often leads to blood poisoning, and this is a serious threat to life. Therefore, even the smallest wound must be properly treated with an antiseptic.

How to properly treat a wound?

Pharmacies have a huge number of antiseptic drugs that have antimicrobial and antiviral effects. But before using any medication, you must carefully study the instructions. The same alcohol, if used improperly, can cause a burn. Treatment of wounds is best left to a specialist. What if there is no way to go to the emergency room? There are a few rules to remember.

First of all open wound It is necessary to treat with soap (preferably laundry soap) and running water. Soap solution helps deal with germs. Antiseptic for wound treatment initial stage may not be needed. If the damage is deep enough, you cannot do without medication. And simple treatment with an antiseptic will not be enough. After the bleeding has stopped, apply a gauze bandage.

You should carefully choose an antiseptic for treating wounds in the eye and mouth area. It's very soft skin. Alcohol-based products may cause burns. It is recommended to treat the injured area with a weak aqueous solution.

Hydrogen peroxide

This is the most popular antiseptic for wound treatment. For minor injuries, use a 3% solution. at 6% concentration may cause severe skin burns. This substance is used only for storing and sterilizing medical instruments. Treatment of wounds with peroxide is accompanied by the formation of foam. This removes dirt and dead skin cells. The 3% solution is excellent for both washing superficial wounds and disinfecting mucous membranes.

Hydrogen peroxide is most often used to treat a child's wound. Reviews from parents show that the product does not cause negative emotions in kids. Indeed, during the procedure, pain and itching are not felt. In addition, hydrogen peroxide has a democratic price. A 40 ml bottle can be purchased for only 10 rubles.

Hydrogen peroxide should not be used to treat already healing abrasions and other skin damage. Reviews show that wounds heal much longer if this antiseptic is used. The fact is that peroxide negatively affects the young cells of the scar. But for primary processing wounds, this remedy is ideal.

Aqueous solution of the drug "Furacilin"

Antiseptic is not sold in pharmacies in finished form. It is available only by prescription. An alcohol solution can be obtained without problems, but it can only be used for treatment purulent diseases ear. An aqueous solution of Furacilin can be prepared at home yourself. To do this, take 10 tablets of the drug and dissolve it in one liter of warm boiled water. The medicine can be used in the form of a spray. If you take much less liquid, you will get an antiseptic paste.

An aqueous solution of the drug "Furacilin" is a mild agent. According to reviews, this antiseptic is ideal for treating mucous membranes. It can also be used to treat wounds on delicate baby skin. The drug "Furacilin" is also used for skin suppuration. The product helps quickly remove the infection and promotes healing. Antiseptic paste can be used for dressing postoperative sutures. 10 tablets of "Furacilin" in pharmacies cost about 35 rubles.

Ethanol

One-component alcohol-containing solution is most often used for treating wounds and postoperative sutures. Optimal antimicrobial activity is provided by medical alcohol of 70% concentration. This substance is quite aggressive. Alcohol-based wound antiseptics are not acceptable when treating mucous membranes. It is worth remembering that this substance is quickly absorbed into the blood. Therefore, such drugs are also not recommended for use in children.

Primary wound treatment can be carried out with 40% ethyl alcohol. In this case, it is necessary to treat not only the injured area itself, but also its outskirts. Next, apply to the wound sterile dressing. In the future, you should choose more gentle antiseptics for wounds. Alcohol will only worsen the healing process.

Chlorhexidine bigluconate

This drug, produced in has enough wide range actions. This antiseptic for wound treatment affects not only viruses and bacteria, but also copes with some types of fungal infections. The drug can be used for the initial treatment of injured areas, as well as to accelerate the healing of purulent wounds. A small amount of chlorhexidine will be enough to kill pathogens on the affected area of ​​the skin.

You can find it in pharmacies various drugs, the main component of which is chlorhexidine. Antiseptic gel can be used on mucous membranes. You can also find medicines in the form of tablets and suppositories. According to patient reviews, such drugs are ideal for healing vaginal wounds. The cost of Chrolhexidine suppositories in pharmacies ranges from 150 to 200 rubles.

The drug "Miramistin"

The drug is highly active in the fight against many pathogens. In pharmacies you can find the drug in the form of an aqueous solution or ointment. The doctor will tell you which antiseptic is best suited in a particular case. To treat deep purulent wounds, ointment is most often used. It is applied to the affected area once a day. The wound is pre-treated with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol.

Miramistin does not affect membranes human cells. This means that the drug has a mild effect. It does not cause burns or peeling of the skin. In addition, the antiseptic perfectly fights bacteria that have developed immunity to antibiotics. The drug is often used to treat purulent infections in a hospital setting.

Miramistin is non-toxic. It can be used during pregnancy and lactation. The medication can be prescribed to treat deep wounds in children. Many parents note that the drug speeds up the recovery process of injured areas. In addition, children do not complain of pain or burning during treatment. The cost of this antiseptic in pharmacies is about 250 rubles.

Potassium permanganate solution

Potassium permanganate has pronounced antiseptic properties. Even 20 years ago, potassium permanganate in powder could be obtained without special problems. The solution was prepared quite simply. Just a few crystals of powder were enough to prepare a liter of antiseptic. But such a tool had useful properties only the first few hours.

Today, the mentioned remedy can be found in pharmacies in the form of a ready-made concentrated solution. Antiseptic drugs based on potassium permanganate can only be used in a hospital. First of all, because the remedy is not compatible with all drugs. For example, combining potassium permanganate with hydrogen peroxide can cause severe burns. It is not recommended to use this antiseptic for children. The solution has an effect on pathogenic microbes only temporarily. After drying, the antiseptic properties disappear.

Iodine

This is a universal antiseptic that has antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. An alcoholic solution of iodine is used to treat wounds, as well as purulent rashes. Postoperative sutures can also be treated with this antiseptic.

It is not recommended to apply iodine to an open wound. Only the edges of the damaged area of ​​skin are treated. The solution may cause severe chemical burn. As a result, rough scarring occurs and the healing process is prolonged.

Povidone-iodine product

An iodine-based drug that has a less toxic effect on tissue. It is known that an alcohol solution of iodine is incompatible with other antiseptics. In addition, it can provide negative impact on thyroid gland. The drug "Povidone-iodine" has a milder effect. Children can also use this wound antiseptic. The spray is used both for the treatment of small injured areas, and for the treatment of purulent skin diseases. Deep wounds processed only around the edges.

Brilliant green solution

Without this antiseptic it is impossible to imagine any home first aid kit. Previously, this remedy was used from birth. It was green paint that treated the umbilical wound. Today, other, more modern antiseptic preparations have already appeared. But the solution of brilliant green has not lost its relevance. First of all, many are pleased with the price. You can buy a bottle of brilliant green in pharmacies for only 8-10 rubles. The tool is also offered in a more convenient form - in the form of a marker. Zelenka can be easily applied to the affected area without getting dirty.

Like iodine, only the edges of wounds are treated with brilliant green. The product can cause intoxication and burns. As soon as fresh scar tissue begins to appear in the wound, the use of the drug is stopped.

Medicine "Fukortsin"

Antiseptic for external use, the main components of which are boric acid and acetone. In pharmacies, the medicine "Fukortsin" is offered in dosages of 10, 25, and 50 ml. The cost of the smallest bottle does not exceed 10 rubles. The medicine has many positive feedback. Patients note that the antiseptic promotes rapid scarring of wounds and has an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect.

When applying the Fukortsin medication to the wound, you may feel pain and burning. Unpleasant sensations pass within a few minutes. It is not recommended to apply the antiseptic to large areas of skin. The drug is absorbed into the blood. An overdose may cause dizziness and weakness.

An antiseptic is applied to the affected area of ​​skin several times a day. After the product has dried, compresses, ointments and pastes can be applied to the wound. As soon as scarring of the damaged tissue begins, the use of the drug "Fukortsin" is stopped.

The drug can also be used as part of complex therapy in the treatment of fungal skin diseases. Antifungal action is provided thanks to the phenol included in the drug. Inflamed areas are wiped with a cotton swab dipped in the solution. The duration of treatment may depend on the form of the disease, as well as individual characteristics the patient's body.

The history of the development of antiseptics began quite a long time ago. When conducting surgical interventions a few centuries ago, most patients had significant complications, up to fatal outcome, due to infection in the body. In the second half of the 19th century, Joseph Lister began to use the first antiseptic– carbolic acid, thanks to which he revolutionized the world of surgery. Since then, disinfectants have been used for every surgical procedure.

Antiseptics are anti-putrefactive agents that prevent decomposition processes on wound surfaces, as well as prevent inflammatory changes in the blood. The antiseptic effect of these agents has found its application primarily in medicine.

The purpose of using such drugs is to disrupt the growth and development of pathological agents. In this case, the development of a suppurative process does not occur, since the microorganism does not exert its harmful effects. It is customary to take the phenol coefficient as a unit of the drug’s power indicator, which made it possible to identify the most and least effective drugs.

Types of antiseptics

Another classification is based on the chemical characteristics of the substance. Let us give as an example the following list of antiseptics:

• halogens - such antiseptics include iodine, pantocid, chlorogenium, iodinol, Lugol's solution, iodonate;
• oxidizing agents - this group is represented by hydroperite, potassium permanganate, perhydrol (hydrogen peroxide);
• acids – boric and salicylic acid, boric alcohol, Teymurov paste;
• alkalis - sodium borate, ten percent ammonia solution;
• aldehyde compounds - lysoform, formaldehyde ointment, hexamine, urosal, ethanol, calcex;
• salts of heavy metals – sublimate, calomel, collargol, diocide, zinc oxide, zinc ointment, galmanin, Lassara paste;
• phenol - carbolic acid, resorcinol, lysol;
• dyes - brilliant green, methylene blue, rivanol, Novikov liquid, Konkov ointment.

Some plants, resins, essential oils, natural salts, tar, petroleum products.

The use of antiseptics in medicine and in everyday life

Modern medicine cannot be imagined without the widespread use of antiseptics. These products are used to clean the premises and hands of surgeons before performing an operation. Antiseptics are used to treat the surface of the skin and mucous membranes, they are placed on wounds, applications and tamponade are made with them. Some antiseptics in medicine are administered inside the body, others can be rinsed oral cavity, do inhalations with them. They are also used for sterilization of biological fluids. You cannot do without antiseptics in beauty salons, beauty salons, wherever there is a need to protect yourself from pathological microorganisms. To make skin antiseptics more convenient to use, products are now available in the form of foam and spray in small bottles. Disinfection with such means is carried out very quickly, since the bottle is convenient to transport and use.

They can be used to treat a sudden scratch or cut, or to wipe your hands after touching places where bacteria accumulate ( banknotes, public transport etc.). It is not difficult to treat the skin with antiseptics - just apply antiseptic solutions on the surface of the skin and grind, and if the integrity is damaged skin– Carefully treat the wound and the area around it.

In addition to the medical field, antiseptics are widely used in Food Industry, in production household chemicals, to protect wood from decay.

· Related articles · Official site ·

Before the appearance modern antiseptics"mechanical antiseptic" was widely used according to the principle of Latin Uvi pus - ubi es"you see pus - let it out."

Widespread use of antiseptic surgical methods followed the publication of Joseph Lister's The Antiseptic Principle in Surgical Practice in 1867, inspired by Louis Pasteur's "germ theory of putrefaction." In 1865, having become convinced of the antiseptic properties of carbolic acid, which the Parisian pharmacist Lemaire began to use in 1860, he used a bandage with its solution in the treatment of an open fracture. In 1867, Lister published an article “On a new method of treating fractures and ulcers with comments on the causes of suppuration.” It outlined the basics of the antiseptic method he proposed. Lister went down in the history of surgery as the founder of antiseptics, creating the first integral, multicomponent method of fighting infection.

The Joseph Lister method included a multilayer bandage (a layer of silk soaked in a 5% solution of carbolic acid was attached to the wound, 8 layers of gauze soaked in the same solution with the addition of rosin were applied over it, all this was covered with a rubberized cloth and fixed with bandages soaked in carbolic acid), processing hands, instruments, dressing and suture material, surgical field - 2-3% solution, air sterilization in the operating room (using a special "spray" before and during the intervention).

In Russia, the task of introducing antiseptics was carried out by a number of prominent surgeons, including N.V. Sklifosovsky, K.K. Reyer, S.P. Kolomin, P.P. Pelekhin (the author of the first article on antiseptics in Russia), I. I. Burtsev (the first surgeon in Russia who published the results of his own application of the antiseptic method in 1870), L. L. Levshin, N. I. Studensky, N. A. Velyaminov, N. I. Pirogov.

Lister's antiseptics, in addition to its supporters, had many ardent opponents. This was due to the fact that carbolic acid had a pronounced toxic and irritating effect on the tissues of the patient and the surgeon's hands (plus the spraying of a solution of carbolic acid in the air of the operating room), which made some surgeons doubt the value of this method.

25 years later, Lister's antiseptic method was replaced by new method- aseptic. The results of its use were so impressive that there were calls for the abandonment of antiseptics and the exclusion of antiseptics from surgical practice. At the same time, it turned out to be impossible to do without them in surgery.

Thanks to the successes of chemistry for the treatment of purulent wounds and infectious processes, a number of new antiseptic agents have been proposed that are much less toxic to the tissues and body of the patient than carbolic acid. Similar substances began to be used to treat surgical instruments and objects surrounding the patient. Thus, slowly, asepsis became closely intertwined with antisepsis; now surgery is simply unthinkable without the unity of these two disciplines.

Some common antiseptics

Alcohols

The most common include ethanol (60-90%), propyl (60-70%) and isopropyl alcohol (70-80%), or mixtures of these alcohols. Alcohols are used to disinfect the skin before injections, often together with iodine (tincture of iodine) or some cationic surfactants (benzalkonium chloride 0.05-0.5%, chlorhexidine 0.2-4.0% or octenidine dihydrochloride 0.1-2.0%).

Quaternary ammonium compounds

Also known as HOUR, include such chemical substances as: benzalkonium chloride (BAC), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTMB), cetylpyridinium chloride (Cetrim, CPC) and benzethonium chloride (BZT). Benzalkonium chloride is used in some preoperative skin disinfectants (0.05-0.5% concentration) and in antiseptic towels. The antimicrobial effect of QAC is inactivated by anionic surfactants such as soap.

Boric acid

Used in suppositories to treat fungal infections of the vagina, and as antiviral agent to shorten the duration of the herpes virus attack. It is also added to the composition of creams for burns. It is also often used in ophthalmic contact lens solution.

Diamond Green

Triarylmethane dye is currently widely used in the form of a 1% solution in ethanol in Eastern Europe and countries former USSR for the treatment of small wounds and abscesses. Effective against Gram-positive bacteria.

Chlorhexidine gluconate

A derivative of biguanidine, used in concentrations of 0.5-4.0% alone or in lower concentrations in combination with other compounds such as alcohols. It is used as an antiseptic for the skin and to treat inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). These cationic surfactants are similar to QAS.

Hydrogen peroxide

Used as a 6% solution for cleaning and deodorizing wounds and ulcers. The more common 3% hydrogen peroxide solutions are used in the home to treat scratches, etc. However, even this concentration is not recommended for routine wound care as it leads to scarring and increased healing time.

Iodine solution

Typically used in alcohol solution(the so-called "tincture of iodine") or in Lugol's solution as a pre- and postoperative antiseptic. It is not recommended for disinfection of small wounds because it causes tissue scarring and increases healing time. The great advantage of iodine is its wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity, it kills all major pathogens and, with long-term exposure, even spores, which are considered the most difficult form of microorganisms to inactivate with disinfectants and antiseptics.

Mercurochrome

Outdated antiseptic. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not consider it safe and effective due to concerns about mercury content. Bis-(phenylmercury) monohydroborate (Famosept) also belongs to outdated organomercury antiseptics.

Octenidine dihydrochloride

Cationic surfactant with antimicrobial activity against a wide range of microorganisms. It is similar in its action to quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC), but has a wider spectrum of activity. Octenidine is now increasingly used in continental Europe as an antiseptic and the drug of choice (replacement) for QAC or chlorhexidine (due to their slow action and carcinogenic risks of 4-chloroaniline impurities) in an aqueous or alcoholic solution at a concentration of 0.1-2.0% on skin, mucous membranes and wounds. IN aqueous solutions, often enhanced by the addition of 2-phenoxyethanol.

Phenol compounds (carbolic acid)

Used to treat hands medical personnel before surgery. Also used in powder form as an antiseptic baby powder for the navel when it heals. Phenol is used in mouth and throat rinses and has an analgesic and antiseptic effect.

Polyhexanide (polyhexamethyleneguanidine biguanides, PHMB)

Antimicrobial compounds suitable for clinical use with infected acute and chronic wounds. Physicochemical effects on the bacterial environment prevent the development of resistant strains of bacteria.

Non-medical use of antiseptics

Antiseptics have found application in the food industry. In particular, many preservatives are based on antiseptic properties that suppress the development of microflora in canned products. For example, ethylene oxide is used to disinfect medical equipment and instruments, primarily heat-sensitive ones, for example, disposable syringes.

Paints and varnishes with antiseptic properties are used in construction to protect wood materials from saprophytic microflora.

Wood antiseptics help protect wood from rot, mold, blue stains, insects, moisture, fire and combustion, and preserve freshly cut wood during transportation.

Antiseptics are included in detergents, used in everyday life, in public catering establishments, industrial enterprises and other institutions.

Hand sanitizers are alcohol-based sanitizers for hygiene. This type of disinfectant is used in households and workplaces to prevent transmission pathogenic microorganisms, and besides this, to comply with the elementary rules of hand hygiene in public places.