How and why are antiseptics used? Antiseptic medicines

- all these are very frequent occurrences in the life of every person. They do not bypass the side of the fierce adherents of a healthy lifestyle. To cope with all these troubles, each of us, of course, is in a hurry to use the help of various pharmaceuticals. V in this case, as a rule, antiseptic drugs come to the rescue, since they have a rather powerful antimicrobial effect ... the site) decided to devote to universal antiseptics... What kind antiseptics belong to the category of universal, and in the fight against which conditions they can be used, you can find out by reading this article.

What are antiseptics?

First, let's figure it out - what are antiseptic drugs?

Antiseptics are pharmaceuticals that have a very strong antimicrobial effect. Medicines of this group are used externally in most cases. With their help, it is possible to destroy all microorganisms located both on skin, and on mucous membranes, as well as on medical instruments... Very often they are also used for water and food processing. Without their help, you can not do even in the case when it is necessary to process the bed linen of a sick person.

What antiseptic agents are universal?

Phenol or carboxylic acid- in fact this drug became the first antiseptic, which began to be used in 1895 during surgical interventions... Phenol was used to treat not only the skin, but also the hands of the surgeon, as well as all the instruments necessary for the operation.

Boric acid is another universal antiseptic that is used not only for treating wounds, but also for washing and rinsing the mucous membranes of both the eyes and genitals. We draw your attention to the fact that two, three or four percent boric acid solution should be used as an antiseptic, since it is precisely such solutions that are not capable of causing irritation. If you are tormented by otitis media, then use a 3% solution of boric acid in ethyl alcohol. Healing effect when using it is guaranteed.

The well-known iodine can also be referred to as universal antiseptic drugs. Tincture of iodine can be used to lubricate the edges of any cuts. It is with this antiseptic that such common ailments as: acute tonsillitis, otitis media, tonsillitis, periodontitis, dysentery as well as various indigestion.

It is worth drawing your attention to the fact that iodine causes very strong allergic reactions in some people. In this case, it is best to replace it with potassium permanganate, that is, potassium permanganate, which is also a representative of universal antiseptic drugs... Aqueous solutions of potassium permanganate can be used both for rinsing and for washing the stomach, all kinds of wounds, burns, ulcers. Correct use potassium permanganate solution is safe, which is why it can be used in the fight against diaper rash of the skin of newborns.

Surely many of you have more than once turned for help to such a universal antiseptic as hydrogen peroxide. This pharmaceutical agent has not only antimicrobial, but also hemostatic, bleaching, and disinfecting effect. After rinsing oral cavity three percent hydrogen peroxide solution, you can not only overcome the existing infection but also to shield yourself from bad smell from mouth.

It is also important to draw your attention to the fact that antimicrobial effect tends to be exerted not only by one or another pharmaceuticals but also numerous medicinal plants that grow right next to you. Antiseptic plants include Chinese rose, aloe, Kalanchoe, plantain, hibiscus, tradescantia and many others. They are very effective in combating harmful microorganisms and essential oils bergamot, damask rose, rosemary, chamomile, pine.

Iodine alcohol solution(5-10%) is used for disinfection operating field and the skin of the hands, lubrication of the edges of the wound, cauterization of minor abrasions and wounds.

Iodoform has a pronounced disinfectant effect. The drug dries the wound, cleanses it and reduces decomposition. It is prescribed as a powder, 10% ointment.

Lugol's solution consists of pure iodine and potassium iodide dissolved in alcohol or water. It is used for washing purulent cavities.

Iodonate, iodolan, iodopyrone are complexes of iodine with surface-active compounds. They are used in 1% concentration for processing the operating field and disinfecting hands.

Diocide- a chlorine-containing antiseptic with high bactericidal action. It is produced in tablets No. 1 and No. 2. It is used at a dilution of 1: 5000 (two tablets No. 1 and one tablet No. 2 are dissolved in 5 liters of warm boiled water) for treating hands, operating field, sterilizing rubber and plastic products, instruments, washing purulent wounds... The asepticity of the skin remains at the same time for at least 2 hours.

Hydrogen peroxide(3% solution) well cleans the wound from pus, remnants of dead tissue due to a large number oxygen, which is formed when peroxide comes into contact with tissues and blood. Has a hemostatic effect, is used for washing wounds, cavities, rinsing, nasal tamponade.

Hydroperite- a complex compound of hydrogen peroxide with urea. Available in tablets. To obtain a 1% solution, 2 tablets of hydrogen peroxide are dissolved in 100 ml of water. It is a substitute for hydrogen peroxide.

Potassium permanganate(potassium permanganate) - disinfectant and deodorizing agent. In a 0.1-0.5% solution it is used for washing fetid wounds, in a 2-5% solution - as a tanning agent for the treatment of burns.

Formalin(0.5% solution) is used for disinfection of instruments and rubber products.

Ethyl alcohol, or wine, has a disinfecting, drying and tanning effect. A 96% solution is used for the treatment of hands, the operating field, sterilization of cutting instruments and equipment, suture material, preparation of anti-shock solutions.

Brilliant green and methylene blue- aniline dyes. They are used as antiseptic agents in the form of a 0.1-1% alcohol solution for burns and pustular skin lesions.

Furacilin used in a solution of 1: 5000 for the treatment of purulent wounds and washing cavities or in the form of 0.2% ointment. It has a detrimental effect on anaerobic infection.

Furagin is effective in a solution of 1: 13,000 for treatment wound infections and burns.

Silver nitrate applies as disinfectant for washing wounds, cavities, Bladder in a dilution of 1: 500 - 1: 1000; A 10% solution is used to cauterize excess granulation.

Chlorhexidine bigluconate used for treating hands medical staff and the operating field, sterilization of instruments.

Performic acid(Pervomur) - antiseptic solution, which is a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and formic acid. For the treatment of hands, sterilization of gloves, instruments, a working solution is prepared: 171 ml of 30% hydrogen peroxide and 81 ml of 85% formic acid are poured into a glass flask, the flask is shaken and placed in the cold for 1-1.5 hours. diluted with 10 liters of boiled or distilled water.

There are antiseptics for treating wounds in each home first aid kit... But do people always choose the right way to treat a wound? It is no accident that there are several different solutions, each of which should be used to treat certain wounds and sores. Today we will find out what an antiseptic is for? Consider the 9 most popular and inexpensive funds and we will understand their differences.

What is an antiseptic?

Let's immediately turn to the Greek translation of the term: anti - against, septikos - putrid. And an antiseptic is really called any agent that is able to fight bacteria caused by decomposition processes, and also serves to prevent their reproduction.

Antiseptics have been known since antiquity. The embalming of corpses was carried out with means that prevent decay processes, otherwise some of the finds would not have survived to contemporaries. But antiseptic drugs began to be popularized only from the middle of the 19th century, when the first attempts at conducting surgical operations using carbolic acid.

By the way! Antiseptics are used not for healing wounds, but for disinfecting them, i.e. to kill infection and prevent inflammation.

Antiseptics are used today not only in medicine, but in other areas as well. For example, in the woodworking industry for the impregnation of wood in order to avoid the development of putrefactive processes. Bath logs, which will constantly be in a humid environment, definitely need preprocessing antiseptic impregnations. So, what are the antiseptics?

9 best antiseptics

Carbolic acid, which was first used as an antiseptic for the body, is not used today because of its danger. In fact, it is a harmful phenol that can cause toxicity in large quantities. But over 150 years, many different antiseptic agents have been invented that meet all the necessary requirements, namely:

All these requirements in varying degrees answer at least 9 antiseptics, which are considered the most effective and affordable.

The antiseptic effect of ethyl alcohol does not last long. As soon as the alcohol evaporates (30-40 seconds), the effect stops. But usually it is enough to destroy the most active microbes. Ethanol is primarily used to treat small fresh wounds and cuts, but it cannot be used constantly. Alcohol dries out the skin and frequent use can provoke microtrauma. The cost of one bottle of ethanol (100 ml) is small: about 30 rubles.

Furacilin aqueous solution

Furacilin refers to antimicrobial agents wide range... It is used more often in the form aqueous solution, although it is possible to cook with alcohol. An aqueous solution of Furacilin is good for treating wounds and sores on the mucous membrane: in the oral cavity, nose, vagina. But it also works great as a skin antiseptic (ulcers, burns).

Furacilin is sold in the form of ready-made solutions (60-70 rubles per 100 ml), tablets that need to be ground into powder before dissolving (80-90 rubles per 10 pcs.), As well as effervescent self-dissolving tablets (110-120 rubles per 10 pcs.) ).

It is a so-called antioxidant antiseptic that releases oxygen upon contact with the skin. This is indicated by the bubbles that appear when peroxide is applied to the wound. The more bubbling, the stronger the pollution. Treatment of a wound with hydrogen peroxide is very effective on postoperative sutures, as the resulting foam automatically flushes away the dirt, without the need to wipe the wound.

Despite the seeming aggressiveness of hydrogen peroxide, it is a fairly mild antiseptic that can also be used for mucous membranes. For example, it can be moistened with a cotton swab and inserted into the nostril to stop bleeding and treat the damaged vessel. At the same time, it is an excellent drying agent. The cost of a bottle of peroxide (10 ml) is about 40 rubles.

Potassium permanganate solution

Possesses antimicrobial and disinfectant effect due to the oxidizing ability of manganese. Potassium permanganate is used to treat wounds, ulcers, burns. But it is important to cook exactly weak solution because highly concentrated can cause chemical burn skin.

At home, it is not recommended to use potassium permanganate precisely because of ignorance of the exact concentration for certain wounds and non-compliance with the technique of its preparation. But pink water is suitable, for example, for wetting a dried-on dressing. In the pharmacy, potassium permanganate is sold in the form of burgundy crystals and is called "Potassium permanganate". The cost of a five-gram bubble is 60-70 rubles.

Good old antiseptic, which is almost in every home. A 5% solution is used to treat wounds, although in some cases it is necessary to dilute it to a less concentrated one. Iodine is good for treating fresh cuts and shallow wounds.

It is not recommended to use iodine solution to treat wounds received more than 5 days ago, as well as acne, bedsores and thermal burns... Also, iodine should be used with caution in people suffering from endocrine diseases... 10 ml of iodine costs only 10-15 rubles.

Or simply brilliant green, which is so disliked in the United States, believing that it is toxic. But in Russia this antiseptic is the most popular. Perhaps there is no person who has never encountered brilliant green. It has an excellent antimicrobial effect, but it does not damage tissue or cause burns, such as iodine. The content of ethyl alcohol in brilliant green makes the antiseptic even more effective for use for both fresh and old wounds.

A solution of brilliant greens is able to fight not only gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, but also dangerous Staphylococcus aureus and a diphtheria bacillus. Another plus of brilliant green: the ability to stimulate tissue regeneration. And this is the cheapest antiseptic: the cost of a bottle (10 ml) is 10 rubles. Against the background of all the pluses, only one minus is distinguished: saturated green color, which is washed off for a very long time. And in order not to stain yourself and everything around with brilliant green, you can use not a standard bottle, but a special pencil. It costs 50-60 rubles.

Otherwise, it is called "red brilliant green", although its properties are somewhat different from those of a brilliant green solution. Fukortsin also contains ethanol, there is also boric acid and phenol. Therefore, you need to use it with caution.

Fukortsin is used to disinfect wounds, prevent their suppuration and stop the process that has already begun. Suitable for the treatment of purulent and fungal skin diseases. It is used for abrasions, erosive wounds, pimples on the face. The cost of a bottle of Fukortsin (25 ml) is about 40 rubles.

Chlorhexidine bigluconate

An antiseptic that is rarely found in a home medicine cabinet because it is not universal. Chlorhexidine bigluconate (or as it is called more simply - Chlorhexidine) is prescribed by a doctor, and in a certain concentration.

For example, 0.05% is used to rinse the throat and rinse the nose, and a more concentrated solution is needed to treat wounds on the skin: from 0.1 to 0.5%. Chlorhexidine is good for purulent wounds and burns. It is suitable for prevention sexually transmitted diseases(with a 0.1% solution, genitals can be treated).

Important! For open wounds and an aqueous solution of Chlorhexidine is used for the mucous membrane. Alcohol is used by surgeons to wipe hands before operations, processing tools and devices.

Depending on the concentration of Chlorhexidine, it is able to fight various types of bacteria and infections. The cost of a bottle of 0.05% aqueous solution costs less than 10 rubles per 100 ml. Alcohol will cost 10-15 rubles more.

A universal antiseptic, which appeared relatively recently and immediately became popular. Its base is a complex monohydrate. Those who have tried Miramistin once rarely return to other remedies. It has a very broad spectrum of action, it fights well against infections of the throat, nose, and genital tract, and is suitable for processing sutures. The plus is that it is absolutely tasteless and does not sting, even if you handle heavy and deep wounds.

Minus Miramistin is its price. This is the most expensive antiseptic presented earlier. A 150 ml bottle costs 340-350 rubles. But it is economically used thanks to the spray nozzle.

There are also antiseptic ointments that also work effectively ( Ichthyol ointment, Vishnevsky ointment, Tetracycline, Erythromycin, Levomekol, etc.) and antibacterial powders for wounds (Gentaxan, Baneocin, Streptocid, Xeroform, Galagran).

How to properly treat an open wound

Any, even minor, wound requires antiseptic treatment. A cat scratched, a burr came off, was damaged during shaving - it is imperative to treat the wound in order to avoid its infection and the development of gangrene. There are cases when negligence has led to grave consequences, and, for example, due to a squeezed and untreated pimple, an infection entered the body.

Having received a wound (any damage to the skin that provoked bleeding), you must immediately exclude any touching it. Then take an antiseptic and apply it to the wound with a piece of cotton wool or a bandage, or simply by spraying the product. Then, if the damage is serious, you should see a doctor. If not serious, you can stick a plaster on top or bandage it.

Application antiseptic solutions can be prophylactic or therapeutic. Their main task is to have a destructive effect on most microorganisms without harming healthy tissues.

Without antiseptics, all efforts to treat and care for sick patients are nullified. The mechanism of action of these drugs is based on several principles: oxidative processes, denaturation and dehydration of protein directly in the cells of pathogenic microorganisms, inhibition of their enzymatic activity. In this way, the main objective- bacteria, fungi, viruses die or freeze in their development and reproduction.

Any antiseptic substance must meet several important requirements:

Combine antimicrobial activity and harmlessness to the tissues of the human body.
The action must be preserved in all liquid media (blood, pus) and spread in relation to bacteria, bacilli, protozoa and fungi.
During storage, their pharmacological activity should remain unchanged.

V practical medicine antiseptics of a wide and narrow spectrum of action are used.

Areas of application of the compounds:

Disinfectants of instruments, premises, patient care equipment.
External antiseptics for skin, wounds, cavities, mucous membranes.
Chemotherapy drugs for oral administration... They participate in the resorption of toxicants, prevent the growth and development of pathogens in the foci.

Groups

The degree of activity of any liquid antiseptic depends on the concentration of the main active ingredient in it and the level of sensitivity to it pathogenic microorganism. Medical practice uses liquid dosage forms 10 groups:

Halides - alcoholic, aqueous iodine solutions. Used as antiseptics for primary processing skin.
Salt heavy metals- mercuric chloride, mercury oxycyanide, silver nitrate, zinc oxide. They are used for disinfection of medical instruments and linen.
Alcohols, aldehydes (Formalin, Lysol). Used for preoperative treatment and disinfection of intact skin.
Dyes - solutions of Brilliant Green, Methylene Blue, Fukortsin. External remedies for pyoderma, minor skin lesions.
Acids - boric, salicylic. In solutions, they act as antimicrobial, locally irritating and distracting components. Used for rinsing, rinsing, irrigation, douching.
Oxidants - water conduit peroxide, potassium permanganate. They are used for disinfection of purulent-aseptic wounds.
Cationic soaps - Chlorhexidine, Miramistin.
Uroantiseptics - Nitrofural, Furazidin, Furazolidone. Scope of application: urinary tract infections.
Solutions based on nitromidazole (Metronidazole).
Means for plant raw materials - herbs St. John's wort, calendula flowers, chamomile, lingonberry leaves, bearberry.

Antiseptic solutions are used not only in medical institutions, but also at home. They serve as effective auxiliary means in the treatment of purulent inflammation.

Home first aid kit

The ability of liquid forms of antiseptics to affect the causative agent of infection without harm to the body is actively used for irrigation and rinsing of the nose and sinuses, for treating the oropharynx, douching, and disinfecting skin areas.

Hydrogen peroxide

The simplest and most versatile liquid form for primary antiseptic treatment wound surfaces.

Also used to remove sulfur plugs, removing pus with otitis media for turunda 0.5% solution (for 1 tbsp. l. water 12 drops of 3% Peroxide).

For gargling with sore throat, the proportion is used: 1 part 3% Peroxide to 11 parts boiled warm water

Furacilin solution

The dosage form is active against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria - the main causative agents of sinusitis, but is unstable in dissolved form. Therefore, it must be prepared immediately before the procedure for classic recipe from the Pharmacopoeia: the concentration of the main active substance 1: 5000, i.e. in one liter of purified boiled water at 40 ° C, 1 tablet of Furacilin (0.2 g) must be dissolved.

Chlorophyllipt

Antiseptic on plant based eucalyptus extract is approved for use in pediatric practice, pregnant and lactating women.

Dosage forms:

With intestinal dysbiosis and staphylococcal carriage, enemas with alcohol solution Chlorophyllipt at the rate of 20 ml of the drug per 1 liter of water. To rinse the nasal cavity and throat, you need to take 1 tbsp. l. and dissolve in 200 ml of water.

Miramistin

Antiseptic of a wide range with bactericidal, antiviral and antifungal effects. The drug is also active against the causative agents of genital infections.

Pharmachologic effect:

Prevents further infection.
Stimulates the protective properties of cells.
It activates the regeneration of the affected tissues.
On the wound surface, it has the ability to absorb purulent exudate, relieves inflammation, does not damage granulation and stimulates epithelialization.

The solution is used to cleanse purulent wounds, for douching for genital infections, in the treatment of burns, pyoderma, candidiasis of the skin and mucous membranes, inflammation of the oral cavity, nasopharynx.

Miramistin solution is applied topically by irrigation or applications.

Modern pharmaceutical market offers more than 250 combined antiseptics of various brands. When choosing a remedy, of course, it is necessary to focus on the recommendations of the attending physician, indications, contraindications and possible side effects... Prolonged, uncontrolled use of antiseptics can lead to undesirable consequences.

In addition to the main active ingredient, which has a local antibacterial effect, throat antiseptics contain additional components.

These may include:

local anesthetic and / or essential oils to soften painful sensations in the throat;
vitamin C to increase local immunity;
anti-inflammatory substances (usually of plant origin);
sweeteners and flavorings for good taste and smell;
dyes and fillers.

Indications

Throat antiseptics are usually prescribed by doctors for throat conditions such as:

laryngitis;
or aggravation (like additional remedy as part of combination therapy).

Throat antiseptics are sold without a doctor's prescription, so they are often purchased by people without consulting a specialist. This is permissible if these funds are used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes when initial signs not heavy respiratory infection... Despite the fact that throat antiseptics do not work on viruses, their use prevents the addition of a bacterial infection.

but similar drugs provide only local treatment... When microbes penetrate deep into the mucous membrane and the infection spreads by hematogenous or lymphogenous pathways, the use of antiseptics alone will not be effective.

Additional indications for taking antiseptics are diseases of the gums and oral cavity.:

stomatitis;
gingivitis;
periodontal disease.

Contraindications

Contraindication to the use of any medicinal product is an allergic reaction into its components.

For many throat antiseptics in the form of tablets and lozenges, a contraindication is childhood up to 3 years, as a child may accidentally swallow the drug. Pregnancy, especially the 1st trimester, also limits the use of throat antiseptics.

In each case, carefully read about the contraindications in the annotation to the drug.

When to see a doctor

Throat antiseptics are local only. Therefore, their use in the development of acute respiratory infections can be very short-term and ineffective. In such situations, it is dangerous to start the disease, hoping for the wrong treatment.

Urgently consult a doctor to correct the treatment of acute respiratory infections and throat diseases if:

more than a day the temperature is kept above 38 0 С;
there are plaques and abscesses on the tonsils;
in addition to the symptoms of acute respiratory infections, there are rashes on the body;
despite treatment, the infection continues to descend down the trachea and bronchi (cough with phlegm, chest pain when coughing or taking a deep breath);
shortness of breath, choking;
there is severe sweating and weakness, headache, pain in muscles and joints.

These symptoms indicate a complication of acute respiratory infections or the presence of other diseases requiring the use of systemic antibiotics, antiviral drugs, expectorants and other medicines.

Usually, self-treatment antiseptics for the throat is limited to 3 days, after which it is necessary to assess the patient's condition. If the condition has improved, it is possible to extend the started treatment for another 2 days. If the condition is the same or worsens, then it is necessary to reconsider the tactics and consult a doctor.

Independent and indiscriminate treatment with antiseptics is fraught with the formation of a stable flora, because they get only those bacteria that are on the surface of the mucous membrane. In addition, the effect of local treatment is short-lived, since the medicine is washed off with saliva. This leads to the fact that the bacteria that survived become immune to the antiseptic and continue to multiply, forming stable colonies.

With the progression of the disease with such a resistant flora, it will be difficult to cope even with systemic antibiotics, since many antiseptics and antibiotics have cross-sensitivity. Therefore, do not self-medicate, trust your health to specialists.

Certainly application local antiseptics v complex therapy will have a positive role. However, the main treatment for angina is the use of systemic antibiotics (by mouth or intramuscularly) for at least 7 days.

Types of antiseptics

Antiseptics can be used in the form of:

sprays for irrigation of the throat and mouth (nose);
tablets, lozenges and lozenges;
solutions for rinsing the throat and mouth;
solutions for the treatment of tonsils and gums using a spatula with gauze.

For ease of use, many manufacturers produce one antiseptic in several forms. For example, children under 3 years old find it difficult to control resorption, and they often swallow a pill, which negates its local antiseptic effect, increases the level of development side effects, moreover, it carries the threat of the pill getting stuck in the child's throat and, as a result, traumatizing the mucous membrane. Spatula treatment is convenient for localized infection: the presence of abscesses on the tonsils, gingivitis.

An overview of common throat antiseptics

There is a wide variety of throat antiseptics on the market. Which drug is better? Even a doctor will not answer this question, since everything is individual. The main effect of all antiseptics is the same - the destruction of pathogenic microbes. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the most common throat antiseptics and choose yours.

Active substance	Trade names	Benefits and additional properties	disadvantages
Gramicidin	Grammidin Grammidin Neo Gramicidin C	Has a wide range of effects on microbes. It is used to treat purulent wounds, boils, abscesses.	Not for pregnant and lactating women.
Fusafungin		Antibiotic local action, is used for.	Not recommended for children under 2.5 years of age and nursing mothers. May cause irritation, dryness of the mucous membranes, and even laryngospasm.
Hexetidine	Hexoral Stomatidin Stopangin	It has an antifungal effect against stomatitis and gingivitis.	Contraindicated in atrophic pharyngitis. Not recommended for children under 8 and pregnant women.
Benzocaine + Tyrothricin	Stopangin 2A	An effective preparation with double antiseptic action.	Not for children, pregnant women and couples planning a pregnancy.
Benzacolonium chloride	Septolet	Disinfectant drug. The spermicidal property allows it to be used as a contraceptive in other medicines.	Contraindicated in children under 4 years of age, with galactosemia and fructose intolerance.
Ambazon	Faringosept	A local broad-spectrum antibiotic that does not affect the normal intestinal flora. It is even possible for pregnant women.	It is impossible only with individual intolerance.
Chlorhexidine	Sebidine	Immunostimulating effect due to a high dose of ascorbic acid.	May cause taste disturbances, dry mouth and darkening of fillings.
Benzydamine hydrochloride	Tantum Verde	Pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, effective in symptomatic treatment.	The tablets can be used for children only from 3 years old.
Sulfanilamide	Ingalipt	Local antibiotic. Has anti-inflammatory and distracting supplement.	Not for pregnant, breastfeeding and children under 3 years old
Furacilin	Furacilin	Antimicrobial drug for the treatment of throat, sinuses, purulent wounds, vagina. It is used only in solution.	Of the contraindications, only individual intolerance and bleeding from the treated surface.

In order to maintain a certain concentration of the antimicrobial substance on the mucous membrane, it is recommended not to eat or drink anything after treating the throat with an antiseptic for an hour and a half.

Antiseptics are the first medical care with the onset of acute respiratory disease throat. They serve as a prophylaxis for the further spread of infection, but they independent application does not always have the desired result. If the disease progresses, you should not rely only on local treatment. It is necessary to consult a doctor and carry out therapy in a comprehensive manner.