Bronopol

Synonyms: 2-Bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol; b-bromo-b nitrotrimethyleneglycol; Myacide

Description: Bronopol is a white or almost white crystalline powder; odorless or with a faint characteristic odor.

Chemical Name: 2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol

Antimicrobial preservative; antiseptic

• Bronopol 0.01–0.1% w/v is used as an antimicrobial preservative either alone or in combination with other preservatives in topical pharmaceutical formulations, cosmetics, and toiletries; the usual concentration is 0.02% w/v.

Sulfhydryl compounds cause significant reductions in the activity of bronopol, and cysteine hydrochloride may be used as the deactivating agent in preservative efficacy tests; lecithin/polysorbate combinations are unsuitable for this purpose. Bronopol is incompatible with sodium thiosulfate, with sodium metabisulfite, and with amine oxide or protein hydrolysate surfactants.

Bronopol is used widely in topical pharmaceutical formulations and cosmetics as an antimicrobial preservative. Although bronopol has been reported to cause both irritant and hypersensitivity adverse reactions following topical use, it is generally regarded as a nonirritant and nonsensitizing material at concentrations up to 0.1% w/v. At a concentration of 0.02% w/v, bronopol is frequently used as a preservative in ‘hypoallergenic’ formulations.

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Bronopol may be harmful upon inhalation and the solid or concentrated solutions can be irritant to the skin and eyes. Eye protection, gloves, and dust respirator are recommended. Bronopol burns to produce toxic fumes.

—