Triclocarban

Products

Triclocarban is commercially available as a drug solution (Septivon). It has been approved in many countries since 1975. It is also used for personal care products and plastics, among other uses.

Structure and properties

Triclocarban (C13H9Cl3N2O, Mr = 315.6 g/mol) exists as a white powder that is insoluble in water.

Effects

Triclocarban (ATC D08A102) has disinfectant properties.

Indications

As a disinfectant skin wash for cleaning minor superficial injuries and hand cleansing.

Dosage

According to the professional information.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity
  • Application to the eye or in the immediate vicinity of the eye
  • Application on large injured skin areas
  • Application on children

Full precautions can be found in the drug label.

Interactions

Hard water may slightly reduce efficacy against Gram-negative bacteria. Proteins may slightly reduce efficacy.

Adverse effects

The most common possible adverse effects include local reactions such as a burning sensation, itching, dryness, flaking, and redness. Triclocarban, like triclosan, is controversial for environmental and toxicological reasons. For example, it can accumulate in the environment, in plants and animals (including humans) and harm aquatic organisms. Triclocarban is further an endocrine disruptor.