ATC Group: D09A Medicated dressings

Cetylpyridinium is an antiseptic with activity against both gram positive and gram negative organisms.

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.

Fusidic acid belongs to a unique group of antibiotics, the fusidanes, which act to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by blocking the lengthening of factor G. Fusidic acid is active against staphylococcus epidermidis and methicillin resistant staphylococci.

Povidone iodine is an iodophore that has an established use as a broad-spectrum antiseptic, mainly for the treatment of contaminated wounds and for the preoperative preparation of the skin, mucous membranes and the ocular surface. The organic complex contains approximately 10% of active available iodine. Solutions of povidone iodine gradually release iodine to exert an antimicrobial effect against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and spores. Although povidone iodine is less potent than preparations containing free iodine, it is also less toxic.

Triclosan is a chlorinated bisphenol antiseptic. Triclosan is effective against Gram-positive and most Gram-negative bacteria.

Zinc blocks the intestinal absorption of copper from the diet and the reabsorption of endogenously secreted copper. Zinc induces the production of metallothionein in the enterocyte, a protein that binds copper thereby preventing its transfer into the blood. The bound copper is then eliminated in the stool following desquamation of the intestinal cells.