Unveiling The Secrets of Antiseptics and Disinfectants |ChemFam #45...

Greetings to everyone! We have been discussing the therapeutic action of different classes of drug. In my last post, we have talked about antimicrobials, what are they and classes and types of different antimicrobial drugs. Today, we shall be discussing about another classes of drugs - antiseptics and disinfectants. Let us unveil the secrets of what lies within them.

The concepts of antiseptics and disinfectants play a pivotal role in safeguarding our health and maintaining hygiene. As we delve into the therapeutic action of these drugs, we embark on a journey to explore these remarkable chemical agents and their significance in our daily lives.

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Antiseptics and disinfectants are chemicals which either kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms.

Antiseptics: Line of defense against infections

Antiseptics are a group of chemicals that serve as our steadfast allies in the fight against infections. These agents are primarily used on living tissues, making them ideal for disinfecting wounds, cuts, and abrasions. While antiseptics are gentle on the skin, they possess potent antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth and spread of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Examples are furacine, soframicine, etc. These are not ingested like antibiotics. Commonly used antiseptic, dettol is a mixture of chloroxylenol and terpineol. Bithinol is added to soaps to impart antiseptic properties. We know Iodine is a powerful antiseptic. It effectively destroys a wide spectrum of pathogens and is extensively used before surgical procedures to sanitize the skin. A typical 2-3% solution of iodine in alcohol-water mixture is known as tincture of iodine. It is applied on wounds.

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Iodoform is also used as an antiseptic for wounds. Boric acid in dilute aqueous solution is weak antiseptic for eyes. Another remarkable antiseptic is hydrogen peroxide, which releases oxygen upon application, effectively killing bacteria by oxidizing their cellular components.

Disinfectants: Germ Fighters Extraordinaire

Disinfectants are the frontline soldiers in the battle against germs that lurk on inanimate surfaces and objects. Unlike antiseptics, disinfectants are used on non-living materials such as floors, apparatus and equipment. Their robust germ-fighting abilities help us maintain a hygienic environment in our homes, workplaces, and public spaces.

Same substances can act as an antiseptic as well as disinfectant by varying the concentration. For example, 0.2 % solution of phenol is an antiseptic while its 1 % solution is disinfectant. Chlorine in the concentration of 0.2 to 0.4 ppm in aqueous solution and sulphur dioxide in very low concentrations are disinfectants.

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Another widely used disinfectant is sodium hypochlorite, commonly known as household bleach. You might have seen this chemical while going to the dentists. Its ability to denature proteins in bacteria and viruses makes it highly effective at disinfecting surfaces. Alcohols like isopropanol and ethanol are also popular disinfectants, disrupting the lipid membranes of microorganisms and leading to their demise.

Balancing Act: Safe Use of Antiseptics and Disinfectants

While antiseptics and disinfectants are potent allies, they must be used judiciously to ensure safety and efficacy. Overusing these chemicals having antimicrobial properties can lead to the development of resistant strains of microorganisms, rendering them less effective over time. Additionally, some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to certain antiseptics and disinfectants, emphasizing the importance of patch testing before widespread use.

Bonus: Antifertility Drugs

Antibiotic revolution has provided long and healthy life to people. The life expectancy has almost doubled in recent times. But with this, the increased population has caused many social problems in terms of food resources, environmental issues, employment etc. To get rid of or to decrease these problems, the first and foremost thing to be done is to control population. This has lead to the concept of family planning. Antifertility drugs are of use in this direction.

Birth control pills essentially contain a mixture of synthetic estrogen and progesterone derivatives. Both of these compounds are hormones. It is known that progesterone suppresses ovulation. Synthetic progesterone derivatives are more potent than progesterone. Norethindrone is an example of synthetic progesterone derivative most widely used as antifertility drug. The estrogen derivative which is used in combination with progesterone derivative is ethynylestradiol (novestrol).

Conclusive thoughts

As responsible citizens, we must be careful of the environmental impact of these chemical agents. Improper disposal of antiseptics and disinfectants can contaminate water bodies and harm aquatic life. It is crucial to follow guidelines for proper disposal and explore environmentally benign alternatives to reduce our ecological footprint.

Let us embrace the wisdom of using antiseptics and disinfectants responsibly, recognizing their potential to protect us from infectious agents

Allow me to wrap my article for today, we shall meet again.

B I B L I O G R A P H Y

Byju's

OD Journal

ScienceDirect

Read My Previous Blogs:

SCRAP Giveaway | Terracore | Draw #2 |

What are Antimicrobials and Antimicrobial Drugs? |ChemFam #44|

Therapeutic Action of Different Classes of Drugs |ChemFam #43|

Introduction to Drugs and Drug-Target Interaction |ChemFam #42|

Scientists Analyze a Single Atom With X-Rays For The First Time |ChemFam #41|