2024-08-27
Benzalkonium Chloride - Uses, Precautions, Side Effects, and Pharmacological Aspects
Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is a broad-spectrum quaternary ammonium compound biocide. The term relates to a chemical class with a dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride structure and a variable length (C8 to 18) alkyl chain.BAC has a wide antimicrobial action against fungi, algae, bacteria, and viruses because of having long half-life and low toxicity. BAC is utilized at high concentrations (greater than 0.05 percent) in hospitals and households as surface disinfection and at lower doses(0.002 to 0.02 percent) as a preservative in medical formulations like eye drops and intranasal sprays.