General Description
Synonyms: 5-Amino-1,3-bis(2-ethylhexyl)hexahydro-5-methylpyrimidine; 5-amino-1,3-di(b-ethylhexyl)hexahydro-5-methylpyrimidine; 1,3-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-5-methylhexahydropyrimidin-5-ylamine; 1,3-bis(b-ethylhexyl)-5-methyl-5-aminohexahydropyrimidine; Glypesin; hexetidinum; Hexigel; Hexocil; Hexoral; Hextril; Oraldene; Sterisil; Steri/Sol.
Description:Hexetidine is a colorless or faint yellow-colored oily liquid with a characteristic amine odor.
Chemical Name: 1,3-bis(2-Ethylhexyl)-5-methylhexahydro-5-pyrimidinamine
Functions
Antimicrobial preservative; antiseptic
Uses
Hexetidine is used as an antimicrobial preservative in cosmetics and nonparenteral pharmaceutical formulations.
Therapeutically, hexetidine is mainly used as a 0.1% w/v solution in mouthwash formulations for the prevention and treatment of minor local infections, gingivitis, and mouth ulcers.
Incompatibilities
Hexetidine is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. Salts are formed with mineral and organic acids; strong acids cause opening of the hexahydropyrimidine ring, releasing formaldehyde.
Safety
Hexetidine is mainly used in mouthwashes as a bactericidal and fungicidal antiseptic. It is also used as an antimicrobial preservative and is generally regarded as a relatively nontoxic and nonirritant material at concentrations up to 0.1% w/v. Allergic contact dermatitis and altered olfactory and taste perception have occasionally been reported. Hexetidine is toxic when administered intravenously.
Handling Precautions
Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Hexetidine may be harmful upon inhalation or on contact with the skin or eyes. Eye protection and gloves are recommended. When significant quantities are being handled, the use of a respirator with an appropriate gas filter is recommended.