Benzalkonium Chloride

Synonyms: Alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride; alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride; benzalkonii chloridum; BKC; Hyamine 3500; Pentonium; Zephiran

Description: Benzalkonium chloride occurs as a white or yellowish-white amorphous powder, a thick gel, or gelatinous flakes. It is hygroscopic, soapy to the touch, and has a mild aromatic odor and very bitter taste.

Chemical Name: Alkyldimethyl(phenylmethyl)ammonium chloride

Antimicrobial preservative; antiseptic; disinfectant; solubilizing agent; wetting agent.

• Benzalkonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound used in pharmaceutical formulations as an antimicrobial preservative in applications similar to other cationic surfactants, such as cetrimide.
• In ophthalmic preparations, benzalkonium chloride is one of the most widely used preservatives, at a concentration of 0.01–0.02% w/v.
• Often it is used in combination with other preservatives or excipients, particularly 0.1% w/v disodium edetate, to enhance its antimicrobial activity against strains of Pseudomonas
• Benzalkonium chloride is additionally used as a preservative in cosmetics.

Incompatible with aluminum, anionic surfactants, citrates, cotton, fluorescein, hydrogen peroxide, hypromellose, iodides, kaolin, lanolin, nitrates, nonionic surfactants in high concentration, permanganates, protein, salicylates, silver salts, soaps, sulfonamides, tartrates, zinc oxide, zinc sulfate, some rubber mixes, and some plastic mixes. Benzalkonium chloride has been shown to be adsorbed to various filtering membranes, especially those that are hydrophobic or anionic

Benzalkonium chloride is usually nonirritating, nonsensitizing, and is well tolerated in the dilutions normally employed on the skin and mucous membranes. However, benzalkonium chloride has been associated with adverse effects when used in some pharmaceutical formulations

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Benzalkonium chloride is irritant to the skin and eyes and repeated exposure to the skin may cause hypersensitivity. Concentrated benzalkonium chloride solutions accidentally spilled on the skin may produce corrosive skin lesions with deep necrosis and scarring, and should be washed immediately with water, followed by soap solutions applied freely. Gloves, eye protection, and suitable protective clothing should be worn.

Benzethonium chloride; cetrimide.