Polihexanide

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 09.10.2021

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Synonym(s)

CAS No: 28757-48.4; PHMB; Polyhexamethylene biguanide; Polyhexanide; Polyhexanides

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Polihexanide is an odorless and well-tolerated biguanide antiseptic related to chlorhexidine, which is used in medicine for the treatment of extensive wounds. Furthermore, it is increasingly used in the cosmetics industry as a preservative. Another field of application are treatments in the oral cavity and the conjunctiva.

Pharmacodynamics (Effect)This section has been translated automatically.

Polihexanide is characterized by a wide range of efficacy, including against enterococci and methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRSA). Polyhexanide achieves its disinfecting effect by binding to the cell walls of the pathogens and irreversibly damaging them. Polyhexanide has a bactericidal effect even in very low concentrations. The effect occurs more slowly than with antiseptics such as octenidine, chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine.

Field of application/useThis section has been translated automatically.

Adjuvant antiseptic treatment of wounds, e.g. after surgical debridement. Also for surface and instrument disinfection, as a swimming pool cleaner and as a disinfectant for contact lens cleaning products. Usual concentration: 0.01-0.04%, in pharmaceuticals up to 0.1%.

Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.

Both Type I and Type IV sensitization can occur. Contact allergic dermatitis, contact urticaria, anaphylactic system reactions after local application are described.

Recipe(s)This section has been translated automatically.

PreparationsThis section has been translated automatically.

Lavanid® wound irrigation solution, Lavanid® wound gel, Lavasept® , Lavasorb® wound irrigation solution, Lysoform®

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Creytens K et al(2014) Contact urticaria syndrome caused by polyaminopropyl biguanide in wipes for intimate hygiene. Contact dermatitis 71:307-309.
  2. Kautz O et al.(2010) Severe anaphylaxis to the antiseptic polyhexanide. Allergy 65:1068-1070.
  3. Laughing band JM (2014) A comparison of the irritant and allergenic properties of antiseptics. Eur J Dermatol 24:3-9.
  4. Olivieri J et al (1998) Severe anaphylaxis to a new disinfectant: polyhexanide, a chlorhexidine polymer. Switzerland Med Weekly 128:1508-1511.

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Last updated on: 09.10.2021