Polyhexanide (polyhexamethylene biguanide, PHMB) is a polymer used as a

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 st ...

and antiseptic. In dermatological use, it is spelled polihexanide ( INN) and sold under the names Lavasept, Serasept, Prontosan, and Omnicide. PHMB has been shown to be effective against '' Pseudomonas aeruginosa'', ''

Staphylococcus aureus ''Staphylococcus aureus'' is a Gram-positive spherically shaped bacterium, a member of the Bacillota, and is a usual member of the microbiota of the body, frequently found in the upper respiratory tract and on the skin. It is often positive ...

'', '' Escherichia coli'', '' Candida albicans'', ''

Aspergillus brasiliensis ' () is a genus consisting of several hundred mold species found in various climates worldwide. ''Aspergillus'' was first catalogued in 1729 by the Italian priest and biologist Pier Antonio Micheli. Viewing the fungi under a microscope, Mi ...

'', enterococci, and '' Klebsiella pneumoniae''. Products containing PHMB are used for inter-operative irrigation, pre- and post-surgery skin and mucous membrane disinfection, post-operative dressings, surgical and non-surgical wound dressings, surgical bath/ hydrotherapy, chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcer and burn wound management, routine antisepsis during minor incisions,

catheterization In medicine, a catheter (/ˈkæθətər/) is a thin tube made from medical grade materials serving a broad range of functions. Catheters are medical devices that can be inserted in the body to treat diseases or perform a surgical procedure. Cath ...

, first aid, surface disinfection, and linen disinfection.Nusept
/ref> PHMB eye drops have been used as a treatment for eyes affected by ''Acanthamoeba'' keratitis. It is sold as a swimming pool and spa disinfectant in place of chlorine or bromine based products under the name Baquacil. PHMB is also used as an ingredient in some contact lens cleaning products, cosmetics, personal deodorants and some veterinary products. It is also used to treat clothing (Purista), purportedly to prevent the development of unpleasant odors. The PHMB hydrochloride salt (solution) is used in the majority of formulations.

Safety

In 2011, Polyhexamethylenbiguanide was classified as category 2 carcinogen by the European Chemical Agency, but it is still allowed in cosmetics in small quantities if exposure by inhalation is impossible. In 2018, the European Commission decided to ban the use of PHMB as a preservative. It is currently used as an algaecide and disinfectant.

References

Antiseptics and disinfectants Biguanides Polymers {{dermatologic-drug-stub

Safety

See also

References