BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE

Benzalkonium chloride solution is a topical antiseptic.

Benzalkonium chloride solution is used to disinfect minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.

Clean the affected area before applying benzalkonium chloride solution. Apply a small amount of benzalkonium chloride solution to the affected area up to 3 times daily, or as directed by your doctor.

You may use a sterile bandage to cover the treated area. Allow the treated area to dry first.

If you miss a dose of benzalkonium chloride solution, use it as soon as you remember. Continue to use it as directed by your doctor or on the package label.

Do NOT use benzalkonium chloride solution if:

  • you are allergic to any ingredient in benzalkonium chloride solution
  • you have a deep puncture wound, animal bite, or serious burn

Do not apply benzalkonium chloride solution to blistered skin.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Benzalkonium chloride may cause minor irritation at the application site. Check with your doctor if irritation persists or becomes bothersome.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); infection; severe or persistent irritation, redness, pain, or swelling.

Precautions

Benzalkonium chloride solution is for external use only. Do not use in or near the eyes or apply to large parts of the body.

Wash your hands before and after using benzalkonium chloride solution, unless your hands are part of the treated area.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using benzalkonium chloride solution while you are pregnant. It is not known if this medicine is found in breast milk after topical use. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use benzalkonium chloride solution, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Benzalkonium chloride solution is for external use only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you get it in your eyes, rinse right away with cool tap water.

If you use topical products too often, your condition may become worse.

Do NOT use more than the recommended dose or use for longer than 1 week without checking with your doctor.

Check with your doctor before using benzalkonium chloride solution in CHILDREN younger than 2 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

 

Interactions

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with benzalkonium chloride solution. However, no specific interactions are known at this time.

Ask your health care provider if benzalkonium chloride solution may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

If overdose is suspected, bring the victim to the nearest hospital right away.

Available brands:

  • Drapolene (GlaxoSmithKline)
  • Kortos Cream (Embil)

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