BKC Benzalkonium Chloride C21H38NCl 50%

Benzalkonium chloride is a cationic surfactant and a non-oxidizing bactericide. It has a broad-spectrum and high-efficiency ability to kill bacteria and algae. It can effectively control the reproduction of microorganisms and the growth of sludge in water, and it has a good sludge stripping effect as well as certain dispersing and penetrating capabilities. It also possesses oil removal, deodorizing, and corrosion inhibition properties.
It is soluble in ethanol and acetone. Although it dissolves slowly in water, water solutions are easier to handle, making them the preferred choice. The water solution should be neutral to slightly alkaline, and its color ranges from colorless to light yellow. Shaking the water solution produces foam, and concentrated solutions have a bitter taste and a faint almond-like odor.

Pharmacology and Toxicology
This product is a cationic surfactant and a broad-spectrum bactericide. It can alter the permeability of bacterial cytoplasmic membranes, causing the leakage of cytoplasmic substances and hindering bacterial metabolism, resulting in bactericidal effects. It has a strong effect on Gram-positive bacteria but is ineffective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, acid-fast bacilli, and bacterial spores. It can rapidly bind with proteins, but its effectiveness is significantly reduced in the presence of blood, cotton, cellulose, and organic matter. Concentrations below 0.1% are non-irritating to the skin.
Pharmacokinetics
When used as a spermicide, the duration of action is approximately 10 hours for cream, 3 hours for tablets, and 4 hours for suppositories. This medication is not absorbed through the vaginal mucosa, thus it does not enter the bloodstream or breast milk.
Indications
It is used for preoperative skin disinfection, as well as mucous membrane and wound disinfection.
Administration Instructions
1. Quaternary ammonium surfactants have moderate bactericidal strength. As a sterilizing agent for surgical instruments and heat-sensitive items, its efficacy is uncertain. Therefore, since 2010, it has been largely replaced by other low-toxicity and highly effective disinfectants, and it should be avoided for disinfection of the aforementioned items.
2. The solution of this product should not be used for disinfecting soft contact lenses.
3. The aqueous solution of this product can be contaminated by microorganisms. To minimize the risk of contamination, aseptic techniques should be employed, and the solution should be freshly prepared at the desired concentration before use. Appropriate measures should be taken during storage and dilution to prevent potential contamination.
4. Do not use in combination with soap, salts, or other synthetic detergents, and avoid using aluminum containers. For disinfection of metal instruments, 0.5% sodium nitrite should be added to prevent rusting.
5. The aqueous solution should not be stored in polyvinyl chloride bottles to avoid reaction with plasticizers, which may result in the loss of efficacy.
6. It is not suitable for disinfection of cystoscopes, ophthalmic instruments, and synthetic rubber.