Cationic detergents are a group of alkyl- or aryl-substituted quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs—eg, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride) with an ionizable halogen, such as bromide, iodide, or chloride. The major site of action of these compounds appears to be the cell membrane, where they are adsorbed and cause changes in permeability. The activity of older QACs is decreased by hard water and by porous or fibrous materials (eg, fabrics, cellulose sponges) that adsorb them. QACs are also inactivated by anionic substances (eg, soaps, proteins, fatty acids, phosphates). Therefore, they are of limited value in the presence of blood and tissue debris. However, newer dialkyl QACs (fourth generation, including dodecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide, dioctyl dimethyl ammonium bromide, etc) purportedly remain active in hard water and are tolerant of anionic residues.
Fifth-generation QACs are mixtures of the fourth generation with the second generation and demonstrate greater biocidal activity under conditions of high soil load, making them useful disinfectants in barns and foot baths. QACs are effective against enveloped viruses, some fungi (including yeasts), and protozoa (including Giardia cysts), but not against nonenveloped viruses, mycobacteria, and spores. QACs are commonly used for disinfecting noncritical instruments and cleaning hard surfaces.
Aqueous solutions at concentrations of 1:1,000 to 1:5,000 have antimicrobial activity, especially at slightly alkaline pH. However, extensive use of QACs at subinhibitory concentrations has led to the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (especially Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp) and thus a public health risk; five QAC resistance genes (qacE, qacEΔ1, qacF, qacG, and sugE [p]gram-negative bacteria. Cross-resistance to phenicols (florfenicol and chloramphenicol) results from gradual increases in QAC concentrations.
When applied to skin, QACs may form a film under which microorganisms can survive. For that reason, QACs have limited reliability as antiseptics. Concentrations >1% are injurious to mucous membranes.
Octenidine dihydrochloride is a cationic surfactant used increasingly in Europe as an alternative to quaternaries, chlorhexidine, and iodophors for skin, mucous membrane, and wound antisepsis. It is effective against Dichelobacter nodosus (which causes footrot in sheep Contagious Footrot in Sheep When there is invasion by Dichelobacter nodosus of interdigital dermatitis, contagious footrot results. Whereas in Australia, footrot is separated into benign or virulent categories,... read more ), even in the presence of dirt. Octenidine initially appeared promising against MRSA, but emerging resistance has subsequently been observed for this disinfectant as well as others.
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Dodecyl sulfateNot Available
Taurocholic acidThe product of conjugation of cholic acid with taurine. Its sodium salt is the chief ingredient of the bile of carnivorous animals. It acts as a detergent to solubilize fats...Cyclohexyl-pentyl-maltosideNot Available
TyloxapolTyloxapol is an inhaled surfactant that assists in removing and liquefying and removing bronchopulmonary secretions with mucus and pus. Tyloxapol is administered either through nebulized solution or a stream of...Nonoxynol-9A vaginal spermicide used for the non-hormonal contraception in conjunction with other modes of contraception.PolidocanolA sclerosing agent used for the treatment of uncomplicated spider veins and uncomplicated reticular veins, all less than 3 mm in diameter, in the lower extremity.Taurochenodeoxycholic acidTaurochenodeoxycholic acid is likely indicated as a choleretic and cholagogue. It is also being investigated for its role in inflammation and cancer therapy.Polyethylene glycolA laxative used to treat constipation and used for bowel preparation before colonoscopies and other procedures.SimethiconeAn anti-flatulence agent used to relieve pressure, bloating, and symptoms referred to as gas.Polysorbate 80It is used as a solubilizer, antimicrobial preservative and disinfectant .CetylpyridiniumA compound used to reduce plaque and gingivitis, as well as whiten teeth.DocusateA medication used to treat constipation associated with dry, hard stools, or opioid induced constipation.BenzalkoniumAn antiseptic agent used as a preservative in medications or as a disinfectant in cleaning products.Polysorbate 20Polysorbate 20 is a polysorbate-type nonionic surfactant used in many commercial, household and pharmaceutical products. It is composed of 20 repeated units of polyethylene glycol via ethoxylation. Polysorbate 20 is...Poloxamer 407Poloxamer 407 is a polyoxyethylene polymer and hydrophilic non-ionic surfactant. It consists of a central hydrophobic block of polypropylene glycol that is flanked on each side by polyethylene glycol blocks,...Poloxamer 188A medication used to clean wounds.Cocamidopropyl betaineCocamidopropyl betaine is a mixture of closely related organic compounds derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine that typically acts as an amphoteric surfactant in cosmetics and personal care products. It...PoloxaleneEthylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymer is used as a food additive. It belongs to the family of Epoxides. These are compounds containing a cyclic ether with three ring atoms (one oxygen...CetalkoniumAn antiseptic used as a preservative or to treat certain topical infections.DistearyldimoniumNot Annotated
CalfactantA lung surfactant for the prophylaxis of respiratory distress syndrome in high-risk infants.BeractantA pulmonary surfactant used for the treatment and prevention of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in premature infants.Poractant alfaA pulmonary surfactant used for the treatment of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in premature infants.Glycocholic acidThe glycine conjugate of cholic acid. It acts as a detergent to solubilize fats for absorption and is itself absorbed.DodecyltrimethylammoniumNot Available
Dodecyldimethylamine N-oxideNot Available
LecithinFatty substances commonly found in nutritional supplements.ThonzoniumA cationic surfactant used to disperse exudate and cellular debris, as well as enhance the penetration of antimicrobials.Octylphenoxy polyethoxyethanolNot Available
Glyceryl laurateNot Annotated
TrimethyltetradecylammoniumNot Annotated