Octenidine is a chemical compound that kills or inhibits the growth of various microorganisms. Often found under names like Octenisept, it has been used in Europe as an antiseptic since 1987, primarily for disinfecting skin and mucous membranes before medical procedures. Octenidine dihydrochloride, a cationic surfactant, is its active ingredient.
How Octenidine Works
Octenidine works by disrupting the cell membranes of microorganisms. As a cationic surfactant, it carries a positive charge, allowing it to bind to negatively charged components in microbial cell membranes. This binding inserts octenidine into the lipid bilayer, breaking down its structural integrity.
The disruption results in the leakage of essential intracellular contents, such as ions, nucleotides, and metabolites, impairing cellular functions and leading to cell death. It is effective against a broad range of pathogens, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi like Candida albicans, and certain enveloped viruses. It acts rapidly, reducing bacterial populations within seconds, and provides a sustained antimicrobial effect by forming a protective layer.
Common Uses
Octenidine is used in various medical and healthcare settings. It is commonly applied for wound disinfection, encompassing both acute and chronic wounds, where it reduces microbial load to promote healing.
It is also widely employed for skin antisepsis before medical procedures, such as injections, catheter insertions, and surgical interventions. The compound is available in various forms, including solutions, gels, and sprays, making it adaptable for different applications. Mucous membrane disinfection, particularly in the oral cavity and urogenital tract, also represents a significant application. Furthermore, it can be found as a component in some medical devices.
Safety and Precautions
Octenidine is well-tolerated. Some individuals may experience temporary side effects like skin irritation, redness, itching, or a burning sensation at the application site. These reactions are mild and resolve over time.
Rarely, more severe allergic reactions such as swelling, severe itching, or difficulty breathing can occur, requiring immediate medical attention. Octenidine should not come into contact with the eyes, central nervous system, or cartilage, and it is not intended for injection. It exhibits minimal toxicity to human cells at recommended concentrations and is not significantly absorbed through the skin or mucous membranes, limiting the risk of systemic effects. Prolonged use, especially for chronic wounds, may lead to skin dryness and cracking.
Comparing Octenidine to Other Antiseptics
Octenidine offers several advantages when compared to other commonly used antiseptics such as chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine. It demonstrates a broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and some viruses, similar to chlorhexidine. Octenidine has a rapid onset of action and a prolonged residual effect, continuing to inhibit microbial growth for an extended period after application.
Unlike povidone-iodine, octenidine does not typically stain the skin. It also exhibits lower cytotoxicity to human cells, particularly epithelial cells, compared to chlorhexidine in some studies. Octenidine’s effectiveness is maintained even in the presence of organic matter, a challenge for some older antiseptics. Furthermore, there has been no observed resistance to octenidine, and its unspecific mode of action makes the development of resistance unlikely.