ATC Group: D08AC Biguanides and amidines

Chlorhexidine is an antimicrobial agent, active against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, yeasts, fungi, opportunistic anaerobes and aerobes. Chlorhexidine is mainly a “membrane-acting” agent that destroys the outer membrane of the bacteria. It is inactive on bacterial spores unless the temperatures are high.

Dibrompropamidine is a member of the aromatic diamidine group of compounds, which possess bacteriostatic properties against a wide range of fungi and bacteria. These diamidines exert antibacterial action against pyrogenic cocci, antibiotic resistant staphylococci and some gram-negative bacilli. The activity of the diamidines is retained in the presence of organic matter such as pus and blood.

Polihexanide acts on both the active trophozoite and dormant cystal forms of Acanthamoeba. Polihexanide is a polycationic polymer composed of hexamethylene biguanide units and has a dual-targeted mechanism of action that involves disruption of Acanthamoeba cell membranes and DNA binding.

Propamidine is a member of the aromatic diamidine group of compounds which possess bacteriostatic properties against a wide range of organisms. These diamidines exert antibacterial action against pyrogenic cocci, antibiotic resistant staphylococci and some Gram-negative bacilli, the activity of the diamidines being retained in the presence of organic matter such as tissue fluids, pus and serum.