Didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) is a quaternary ammonium compound used as an

antiseptic An antiseptic ( and ) is an antimicrobial substance or compound that is applied to living tissue to reduce the possibility of sepsis, infection, or putrefaction. Antiseptics are generally distinguished from ''antibiotics'' by the latter's abil ...

disinfectant A disinfectant is a chemical substance or compound used to inactivate or destroy microorganisms on inert surfaces. Disinfection does not necessarily kill all microorganisms, especially resistant bacterial spores; it is less effective than ...

. It causes the disruption of intermolecular interactions and the dissociation of lipid bilayers. The bacteriostatic (prevent growth) or bactericidal (kill microorganism) activity of DDAC depends on its concentration and the growth phase of the microbial population. It is a broad spectrum biocidal against bacteria and fungi and can be used as disinfectant cleaner for linen, recommended for use in hospitals, hotels and industries. It is also used in

gynaecology Gynaecology or gynecology (see American and British English spelling differences) is the area of medicine concerned with conditions affecting the female reproductive system. It is often paired with the field of obstetrics, which focuses on pre ...

, surgery,

ophthalmology Ophthalmology (, ) is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and surgery of eye diseases and disorders. An ophthalmologist is a physician who undergoes subspecialty training in medical and surgical eye care. Following a ...

, pediatrics, OT, and for the

sterilization Sterilization may refer to: * Sterilization (microbiology), killing or inactivation of micro-organisms * Soil steam sterilization, a farming technique that sterilizes soil with steam in open fields or greenhouses * Sterilization (medicine) render ...

of surgical instruments,

endoscope An endoscope is an inspection instrument composed of image sensor, optical lens, light source and mechanical device, which is used to look deep into the body by way of openings such as the mouth or anus. A typical endoscope applies several modern ...

s and surface disinfection. In mice this disinfectant was found to cause infertility and birth defects when combined with alkyl (60% C14, 25% C12, 15% C16) dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC). These studies contradict the older toxicology data set on quaternary ammonia compounds which was reviewed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and the EU Commission. In addition, DDAC, as well as other quaternary ammonia compounds, can lead to the acquisition of resistance by microorganisms when employed in sub-lethal concentrations.

References

Antiseptics Quaternary ammonium compounds Chlorides Cationic surfactants {{dermatologic-drug-stub

See also

References