Antiseptic Liquid: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Antiseptic Liquid is a disinfectant solution used on the skin to help kill or reduce germs and prevent infection in cuts, wounds, and other minor injuries. Different brands contain different active ingredients, such as chlorinated phenols, phenol, iodinated phenols, sodium salicylate, or chloroxylenol. It works by disinfecting the skin and killing or stopping the growth of germs like bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can grow around wounds and cuts.

What is Antiseptic Liquid

Antiseptic Liquid belongs to the drug class Antiseptics and Cleansing agents. It is a disinfectant solution used on the skin to help kill or reduce germs and prevent infection in cuts, wounds, and other minor injuries. Different brands contain different active ingredients, such as chlorinated phenols, phenol, iodinated phenols, sodium salicylate, or chloroxylenol.

Antiseptic Liquid uses

• Helps destroy bacteria and germs associated with throat and mouth infections
• Helps heal cuts, grazes, wounds, insect bites and burns on the skin through its disinfectant action
• Can be used for personal hygiene, including as a vaginal douche
• Can be used as a general disinfectant around the home where germs are a danger to health
• Fights bad breath by acting on odour-causing bacteria in the mouth
• Prevents and controls infections in living tissues, including skin and mucous membranes

Benefits of Antiseptic Liquid

• Disinfects wounds that are exposed to dirt, unwashed hands, and microorganisms in the air
• Helps prevent wounds from becoming infected
• Can speed up the recovery process for wounds and cuts
• Can be used for cleaning household items to protect them from bacteria, viruses, and fungi

How Antiseptic Liquid works

The antiseptic liquid works by disinfecting the skin and killing or stopping the growth of germs like bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can grow around wounds and cuts.

Antiseptic Liquid dosage

Wash the affected area first, then clean thoroughly with the diluted antiseptic liquid. For gargling for mouth and throat infections, dilute before use and do not swallow. Do not use heavy bandaging over treated wounds, as wounds heal faster when air can reach them. Wash your hands before applying antiseptic liquid to a wound. Keep the area dry before applying a dressing to the wound. Avoid any contact with the eyes. Do not drink or swallow antiseptic liquid.

Available forms and strengths

• Liquid
• Cream

Side effects of Antiseptic Liquid

Common

• Skin irritation
• Allergic skin reactions such as dermatitis, itch, redness, eczema, rash, hives, and blisters

Serious

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, tongue or throat
• Dizziness
• Corneal injury and permanent eye damage including permanent visual impairment if it gets into the eyes
• Adverse effects on the kidneys if drunk in large quantities

Warnings and precautions

• Do not swallow the product; it is for external use only.
• Avoid letting the product contact the brain, the membranes around the brain and spinal cord, or the middle ear.
• The product must not come into contact with the eyes because of the risk of serious eye damage. If it gets in the eyes, rinse out immediately and thoroughly with water.
• Stop using the product if you notice irritation or other unwanted effects.
• Avoid contact with the eyes when using antiseptic liquid; if contact occurs, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.
• If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this product.
• If you are breastfeeding, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before use, and rinse the treated area thoroughly with water before breastfeeding.
• Do not drink large quantities of antiseptic liquid, as this may cause adverse reactions on the kidneys.
• Use only according to the product label and recommended dilution.
• Do not use on deep wounds, severe burns, or large areas of damaged skin without medical advice.

Storage

• Store below 30°C
• Keep out of reach of children

When to see a doctor

• If you or a child accidentally swallow some of the cream, contact your doctor or local accident and emergency department immediately.
• Seek medical advice promptly if there is irritation, redness, pain, or visual disturbance in the eye after contact.
• Stop using the cream and seek medical advice if you notice difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, tongue or throat, or dizziness.
• If infection persists, consult your doctor immediately.
• If the wound has not healed or improved, or there is a large or deep wound, burn, or abrasion with embedded particles, or an animal or human bite, seek medical attention.

Alternatives

• Povidone-Iodine Solution
• Chlorhexidine Solution
• Isopropyl Alcohol