Disinfectants and antiseptics

Antiseptic agents delay the development and reproduction of harmful microorganisms. The area of their application is quite wide, from the treatment of wounds and damaged mucous membranes to the disinfection of instruments used in medicine, things and discharge of the patient. These means are not characterized by the selectivity of the action, that is, they are active to varying degrees in relation to almost all microorganisms.

If they delay the development or growth of bacteria, it is considered that it is a bacteriostatic action, and if they contribute to death, it is bactericidal. There are antiseptic agents that have both of these effects, it all depends on their concentration, duration of exposure, temperature, etc.

Most often, antiseptics are classified according to the class of chemical compounds to which they belong. It should be noted that they can only be used after reading the instructions.

For example, chloroids B include chloramine B, a white powder with a slight chlorine odor. It dissolves in water or alcohol. Most often, this drug is used to disinfect hands, objects, tools (only non-metallic ones), in the treatment of infected wounds. However, in each individual case a different concentration of the solution is used.

This group includes the drug "Pantocide", produced in tablets. It can be used to purify water, which occurs within 15 minutes after application.

Antiseptic and disinfectants are necessary in everyday life. It is worth noting known to most iodine. It is made from ash from seaweed. There are 4 groups of drugs containing this substance.

The first of them contain elementary iodine. This includes a solution of iodine alcohol and "Lugol". They are used for external disinfection of wounds, mucous membranes of the larynx, pharynx, inflammation of the skin, etc. Inorganic iodides (potassium and sodium) are also released. Another group of these drugs contains organic substances that split off iodine ("Iodoform" and "Iodinol"). They are also used with an antiseptic purpose as powders or ointments, for the treatment of purulent infected wounds or ulcers.

Among oxidants, mention should be made of the preparation "hydroperite", hydrogen peroxide and potassium permanganate. The latter is usually produced in powder, it is more commonly known to the inhabitants as "manganese". It is used, like many other antiseptics and disinfectants, diluting in water in a certain concentration. They rinse their throats, lubricate wounds and ulcers, use to rinse the stomach with poisoning. However, it is necessary to be extremely careful when preparing the solution, observing the necessary dosage.

Hydrogen peroxide is a colorless liquid with a peculiar odor. It is available in the form of a concentrated and weak (3%) solution. Used for rinsing and rinsing with diseases such as angina, stomatitis, etc., and also for the treatment of wounds.

Classifying antiseptic agents, they release acids (they include the drug "Kamfotsin", boric alcohol, Teimurov paste, etc.), alkalis, aldehydes, salts of heavy metals and others.

Most often these substances are used in the treatment of purulent wounds, burns and other surface lesions, in which infections are possible. In addition, antiseptic agents are necessary in everyday life, and even more so in medical practice - for processing the patient's belongings or the tools used. Some of the antiseptics are in pharmacies on a free sale, as, for example, the same iodine alcohol solution, while their cost is rather insignificant. Others get harder, for example, "manganese" for several years is not sold without a prescription.