Ethanol is an organic compound used in medical wipes and most commonly in antibacterial hand sanitizer gels as an antiseptic for its bactericidal and anti-fungal effects. Ethanol kills microorganisms by dissolving their membrane lipid bilayer and denaturing their proteins, and is effective against most bacteria, fungi and viruses. Ethanol also blocks conduction in peripheral nerve by decreasing the maximal values of both the sodium and potassium conductances and has a depressant action on the vasomotor-centre.
