| benzalkonium chloride | A mixture of alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chlorides in which the alkyls are long-chain compounds (C8 to C18); a surface-active germicide for many pathogenic nonsporulating bacteria and fungi. Aqueous solutions of this agent have a low surface tension, and possess detergent, keratolytic, and emulsifying properties that aid the penetration and wetting of tissue surfaces. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| benzalkonium compounds | <chemical> A mixture of alkylbenzyldimethylammonium compounds. It is a bactericidal quaternary ammonium detergent used topically in medicaments, deodorants, mouthwashes, as a surgical antiseptic, and as a as preservative and emulsifier in drugs and cosmetics. Pharmacological action: anti-infective agents, local, detergents, preservatives, pharmaceutical. (12 Dec 1998) |