Halogens and halogen-containing compounds

Which specific drugs belong to chlorine-containing antiseptics?

Chlorine-containing antiseptics and disinfectants include the following specific drugs:

• Chloramine B — used for the disinfection of premises, care items, and interior items; chlorine-containing preparations, including chloramine B, are listed among chemical reagents for disinfection.
• Chloramine — a 1–2% solution is used for root canal treatment.
• Chlorhexidine (chlorhexidine bigluconate) — a dichlorine-containing biguanide derivative; used for treating the surgical field, surgeon's hands, and in endodontics as a 0.2% solution.
• Sodium hypochlorite — a 3–5% solution is used in endodontics; it dissolves necrotic tissues and exerts a bactericidal effect on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
• Chlorinated lime — a 0.5% solution is used for treating bedpans or urinals.
• Diocid — used for treating the surgeon's hands and the surgical field, washing purulent wounds, and sterilizing rubber and plastic items and medical instruments.
• Monalazon disodium (Halazone, Pantocid) — used for water disinfection, disinfection of medical staff hands, wound treatment, and douches.

Which iodine preparations are used in medical practice as antiseptics?

The following iodine preparations are used as antiseptics in medical practice:

• Alcoholic solution of iodine 5% — used for treating the skin and wound edges.
• Lugol's solution — intended for treating mucous membranes.
• Iodophores (complex compounds of iodine with surfactants):
• Iodinol — for treating oral mucosa and infected wounds.
• Povidone-iodine (Iodovidon, Betadine) — for treating the surgeon's hands, the surgical field, and burns.
• Iodonat (Iodonat) — for treating the surgeon's hands and the surgical field.
• Iodopiron (Iodopiron) — for wound treatment and disinfection.
• Yoks (Yoks) — used in ENT practice.

How does the mechanism of antimicrobial action of iodine preparations differ from that of chlorine?

The mechanisms of antimicrobial action of iodine preparations and inorganic chlorine compounds have significant differences.

What side effects are characteristic of halogen-containing antiseptics upon topical application?

The following side effects may occur upon topical application of halogen-containing antiseptics:

• Irritating and cauterizing action: characteristic of alcoholic iodine solution, which in high concentrations can cause tissue burns.
• Iodism: non-infectious inflammation of mucous membranes at sites of iodine excretion, occurring due to overdosage or individual intolerance (e.g., when using Iodinol).
• Allergic reactions: possible with the use of combined iodine preparations (Yoks) and chlorine-containing agents (Monalazon disodium).
• Burning sensation: transient burning at the application site of the Yoks spray is rarely noted.

At the same time, complex iodine preparations (iodophores) are distinguished by the absence of an irritating effect on tissues.

Which chlorine-containing preparations are used for individual disinfection of drinking water?

For water disinfection, the chlorine-containing preparation Monalazon disodium (Halazone, Pantocid) is used. Its main purpose is water disinfection; it is noted that it practically does not change its taste. Additionally, it can be used for disinfecting medical staff hands, wound treatment, and douches. A potential side effect is the risk of allergic reactions.