Chloroxylenol + Triclosan

• Topical Antiseptic and Antimicrobial Agent: Used for prevention and treatment of superficial skin infections caused by susceptible bacteria and fungi.
• Wound Care: Cleansing and disinfection of minor cuts, abrasions, and burns to reduce microbial contamination and infection risk.
• Preoperative Skin Preparation: For antisepsis before surgery or invasive procedures.
• Hand Hygiene: In healthcare and community settings as an active ingredient in antibacterial soaps and handwashes.
• Treatment of Acne and Dermatitis: Included in formulations targeting mild acne, seborrheic dermatitis, and other skin conditions with microbial involvement.
• Surface Disinfection: Used in certain environmental disinfectant preparations.

• Topical Application: Apply the preparation to the affected skin area 2–3 times daily or as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Concentration: Usually contains 0.5% to 4% chloroxylenol combined with 0.1% to 0.3% triclosan.
• Wound Cleansing: Use diluted solutions for wound irrigation; rinse after a few minutes if advised.
• Preoperative Use: Apply according to institutional protocols, allowing the area to dry before surgery.
• Duration: Continue treatment until resolution of infection or as advised by a healthcare provider.
• Special Populations: Use cautiously in children, elderly, and patients with skin sensitivity. Avoid application to mucous membranes and large open wounds.

Chloroxylenol acts as a phenolic antiseptic that disrupts microbial cell membranes and denatures cellular proteins, causing leakage of cell contents and death. Triclosan is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that inhibits enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (ENR), a key enzyme in bacterial fatty acid synthesis, thereby blocking cell membrane production and bacterial growth. The combination provides a synergistic effect against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as some fungi, enhancing antiseptic efficacy for topical use and disinfection.

• Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption following topical application; primarily remains at the site of application.
• Distribution: Confined to the skin surface and superficial layers.
• Metabolism: Negligible systemic metabolism due to low absorption.
• Excretion: Any absorbed amounts are excreted mainly via renal elimination.
• Half-life: Not clinically significant systemically because of limited absorption.

• Pregnancy: No well-controlled human studies; topical use considered low risk due to minimal systemic absorption but use only if clearly needed.
• Lactation: Safety not established; topical use unlikely to affect nursing infants. Avoid application on breast area during breastfeeding.

• Topical antiseptic and antimicrobial combination.

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to chloroxylenol, triclosan, or formulation excipients.
• Use on deep or puncture wounds, severe burns, or large open wounds without medical supervision.
• Avoid contact with eyes, ears, and mucous membranes.

• Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes to prevent irritation.
• May cause skin irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
• Use with caution in pediatric and elderly populations.
• Avoid excessive or prolonged use to minimize risk of sensitization and resistance development.
• Discontinue use if severe irritation or hypersensitivity reaction occurs.
• Environmental concerns regarding triclosan’s persistence and potential effects have led to restricted use in some regions.

Common:

• Localized skin irritation, redness, itching, or burning sensation at the site of application.
• Mild dryness or peeling of skin.

Serious/Rare:

• Allergic contact dermatitis or hypersensitivity reactions including rash and swelling.
• Potential for systemic toxicity is very low due to minimal absorption.

• No significant drug-drug or drug-food interactions known due to topical application.
• May be inactivated by some detergents or incompatible topical agents; avoid mixing formulations.
• No significant interaction with alcohol.

• Continued recommendation as a topical antiseptic in minor skin infections and preoperative skin prep.
• Regulatory authorities have limited triclosan use in consumer products due to concerns about bacterial resistance and environmental impact; chloroxylenol remains widely accepted.
• Emphasis on judicious use to prevent antimicrobial resistance and hypersensitivity.

• Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
• Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
• Keep container tightly closed and out of reach of children.
• Do not freeze.