SILVERMED ® Benzalkonium chloride

SILVERMED ® is a drug based on Benzalkonium chloride

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Antiseptics and disinfectants

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications SILVERMED ® Benzalkonium chloride

SILVERMED ® is indicated for cleaning and disinfection of intact and damaged skin.

Mechanism of action SILVERMED ® Benzalkonium chloride

Benzalkonium chloride, the active ingredient of SILVERMED ®, is a quaternary ammonium salt characterized by a chemical structure responsible for its antiseptic activity.

In fact, this active ingredient can:

at low concentrations, alter the normal structure of the bacterial membrane, causing the formation of pores and lesions capable of altering the cellular network, leading to the loss of enzymes, coenzymes and nutrients.
at high concentrations, they interact with membrane and non-membrane proteins, altering their structure.

The aforementioned actions result in the inhibition of protein synthesis which inevitably leads to the death of the bacterial cell, in limited periods of time.

However, the bactericidal activity, effective against Gram-positive, Gram-negative and some fungi, is strongly limited with respect to spores and mycobacteria.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

ANAPHYLAXIS WITH BENZALCONIUM CHLORIDE

Head Face Med. 2012 Oct 18; 8: 29. doi: 10.1186 / 1746-160X-8-29.

Case report that reveals the appearance of anaphylaxis with Benzalkonium chloride in nasal drops in a 46-year-old patient. These studies draw attention to the potential side effects of the aforementioned active ingredient following interaction with the mucous membranes.

BENZALCONIUM CHLORIDE AND FOOD HYGIENE

Foodborne Pathog Dis. 2012 Sep; 9 (9): 829-34. doi: 10.1089 / fpd.2012.1155. Epub 2012 Aug 16.

Interesting study that evaluates the effectiveness of Benzalkonium chloride, together with other disinfectants, in limiting the spread of infectious agents and in particular of norovirus surrogates, responsible for serious gastroenteritis

BENZALCONIO CHLORIDE AS AN ANTIBIOFILM PRODUCT

J Endod. 2012 Jun; 38 (6): 821-5. doi: 10.1016 / j.joen.2012.03.012. Epub 2012 Apr 25.

Work that shows how the treatment with Benzalkonium chloride can reduce the adhesive capacity of the microorganism to the plastic surface, thus reducing the formation of biofilms, responsible for the contamination of medical surgical aids in a hospital environment

Method of use and dosage

SILVERMED ®

0.1% Benzalkonium chloride skin solution.

The correct use of SILVERMED ® generally involves the application of the drug using sterile gauze soaked directly on the skin region to be treated 2-3 times daily.

Warnings SILVERMED ® Benzalkonium chloride

The effectiveness and excellent tolerability of this product is guaranteed by compliance with some fundamental rules such as:

avoid ingestion or inhalation of the drug;
avoid contact between the drug and mucous membranes;
use Benzalkonium chloride exclusively for short periods of time.
keep the medicine out of the reach of children
consult your doctor if local skin reactions appear.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

At the moment there are no known contraindications to the use of SILVERMED ® during pregnancy and in the subsequent period of breastfeeding, although it is strongly advised to consult your gynecologist before starting to use it.