Sodium hypochlorite and other chlorine-containing antiseptics

Pharmacodynamics and spectrum of activity of sodium hypochlorite

Sodium hypochlorite (Natrii hypochloris) is an antiseptic with the broadest possible spectrum of antimicrobial action. Its pharmacodynamic properties allow it to effectively eliminate various classes of pathogens. Its activity spectrum includes both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. In addition, the drug has a destructive effect on pathogenic fungi, viruses, and protozoan microorganisms.

However, the key pharmacological feature of this agent is the dependence of its efficacy on environmental conditions. The antimicrobial activity of sodium hypochlorite decreases in the presence of various biological substrates. Such substrates primarily include blood and other protein-rich fluids. This dictates strict rules for application: to achieve the maximum bactericidal effect, the treated surfaces should be cleaned of organic contaminants whenever possible.

Indications for the use of sodium hypochlorite

The clinical use of Natrii hypochloris covers several important areas in medicine:

• External use: Solutions are used for the antiseptic treatment of the skin, mucous membranes, and wound surfaces.
• Cavity procedures: The drug is indispensable in surgery for intraoperative sanitation. It is used to rinse the pleural and abdominal cavities in severe purulent lesions.
• ENT practice: The agent is prescribed for local treatment. Instillation of the solution into the ear canal, as well as rinsing of the nose and throat, is practiced.
• Disinfection: Sodium hypochlorite is widely used for sanitary treatment. It is important to note that it is used exclusively for processing non-metallic instruments, patient care items, dishware, and linen.

Diocid in surgical practice

Diocid is another representative of the chlorine-containing antiseptic group, which has found application predominantly in surgery.

Its main purpose includes:

1. Preoperative preparation: Diocid solutions are actively used for scrubbing the surgeon's hands, as well as for disinfecting the patient's surgical field.
2. Wound treatment: The drug is indicated for rinsing purulent wounds, contributing to their cleansing.
3. Sterilization: Diocid is used for the sterilization of medical devices. In particular, it is suitable for processing rubber and plastic items, as well as medical instruments.

Disodium monalazone (Halazone, Pantocid)

Disodium monalazone, known under the trade names Halazone and Pantocid, occupies a specific niche among chlorine-containing drugs.

Its main purpose is water disinfection. At the same time, the drug has an important feature: it practically does not alter the natural taste of water, making it convenient for use.

In addition to water purification, disodium monalazone has a number of additional indications. These include disinfection of medical staff hands, wound treatment, and douching. When prescribing this agent, its safety profile must be taken into account: the main side effect is the risk of developing allergic reactions.

Briefly: answers to topical questions

Class and exam questions

What else to study on this topic

• Mechanisms of the inactivating action of proteins and blood on chlorine-containing antiseptics.
• Algorithm for intraoperative sanitation of the abdominal and pleural cavities in purulent processes.
• Comparative characteristics of diocid and other agents for surgical hand antisepsis.
• Rules for the sterilization of medical devices made of rubber and plastic.
• Prevention of allergic reactions when using disodium monalazone.

Other topics in the section «Antiseptics and Disinfectants»

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