Antiseptics are chemical agents applied to living tissues to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction.
Common Antiseptics:
Alcohols (Ethanol, Isopropanol):
Used for skin disinfection before injections.
Advantages: Rapid action, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.
Disadvantages: Can cause skin dryness and irritation; flammable.
Chlorhexidine:
Used in handwashing solutions and surgical scrubs.
Advantages: Persistent antimicrobial activity, low skin irritation.
Disadvantages: Less effective against spores and some viruses; can cause rare allergic reactions.
Iodophors (Povidone-Iodine):
Used for preoperative skin disinfection.
Advantages: Broad-spectrum activity, less irritating than tincture iodine.
Disadvantages: Potential for allergic reactions; stains skin and fabrics.
Hydrogen Peroxide:
Used for wound cleaning.
Advantages: Effective against anaerobic bacteria; effervescent action helps remove debris.
Disadvantages: Can damage tissues and delay healing with prolonged use.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds:
Used in mouthwashes and skin antiseptics.
Advantages: Low toxicity, pleasant odor.
Disadvantages: Limited spectrum of activity; inactivated by soaps and hard water.
Evaluation of Antiseptics:
Antiseptics are evaluated based on several criteria:
Efficacy:
Ability to significantly reduce the microbial load on living tissues.
Safety:
Should be non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing to human tissues.
Spectrum of Activity:
Effective against a broad range of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Residual Activity:
Some antiseptics provide prolonged antimicrobial action after application (e.g., chlorhexidine).
Stability and Ease of Use:
Should have a reasonable shelf life and be easy to apply.
Methods of Evaluation:
In Vitro Tests:
Phenol Coefficient Test: Compares the efficacy of an antiseptic to that of phenol.
Dilution Tests: Determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of an antiseptic.
In Vivo Tests:
Clinical Trials: Assess the effectiveness and safety of antiseptics in real-life scenarios.
Skin Irritation Tests: Evaluate the potential for skin irritation or allergic reactions.