13.9 Skin cleansers, antiseptics and desloughing agents
First line drugs | Second line drugs | Specialist drugs | Secondary care drugs |
Traffic light status (TLS) explained:
- Green: Routine prescribing within licensed indication
- Amber 1: specialist recommendation followed by GP initiation and continuation
- Amber 2: specialist or GP initiation in line with local guideline after 1st line failure followed by GP continuation
- Amber 3: specialist initiation and stabilisation followed by GP continuation
- Amber SCG: specialist initiation and stabilisation followed by GP continuation in line with an agreed shared care guideline
- Red: Hospital or specialist prescribing only
Alcohols
Industrial Methylated Spirit
- Solution 70%
Antiseptics and disinfectants
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidising agent
Prescribing and dispensing information
With topical use
The BP directs that when hydrogen peroxide is prescribed, hydrogen peroxide solution 6% (20 vols) should be dispensed.
Strong solutions of hydrogen peroxide which contain 27% (90 vols) and 30% (100 vols) are only for the preparation of weaker solutions.
With oral (topical) use
When prepared extemporaneously, the BP states Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash, BP consists of hydrogen peroxide 6% solution (= approx. 20 volume) BP.
Medicinal Forms
- Solution 3% BP (10 Vols)
- Solution 6% BP (20 Vols)
- Solution 30% (100Vols) – Bleach – used only to prepare weaker solutions
- Cream, Crystacide® 1%
Chlorhexidine
-
Sachets, Chlorhexidine gluconate (25ML) 0.05 % Sachets 25 x 25mL
- Cream, Chlorhexidine Obstetric 1 % Cream 250 mL
Notes:
- Avoid contact with eyes, brain, meninges and middle ear
- Not for use in body cavities
- Alcoholic solutions not suitable before diathermy or for use on neonatal skin
- In preterm neonates, use sparingly, do not allow solution to pool, and monitor for skin reactions—risk of severe chemical burns
Astringents
Potassium permanganate
- Permitabs® Solution tablets 400mg
Iodine products
Povidone iodine
- Antiseptic solution, povidone-iodine 10% in aqueous solution
- Surgical scrub, aqueous solution, povidone-iodine 7.5%
- Betadine® Dry powder spray 2.5%
Irrigation
Irrigation solutions
- Sodium Chloride, Sachet 0.9% and Pour bottle, 1 Litre 0.9%
13.9.1 Minor cuts and abrasions
Cetrimide with chlorhexidine
- Savlon® antiseptic cream
- Liquid,cetrimide 1.5mg per 1ml, chlorhexidine gluconate 150microgram per 1ml; 25ml sachets
- Irrigation solution, 1 litre bottle
Notes for Savlon antiseptic cream:
- Should not be prescribed in Primary Care or at Discharge
- Advise patient to purchase, unless prescription is for long-term regular use
Glycerol with magnesium sulfate and phenol
- Paste, Magnesium Sulfate
Traffic light status (TLS) explained:
- Green: Routine prescribing within licensed indication
- Amber 1: specialist recommendation followed by GP initiation and continuation
- Amber 2: specialist or GP initiation in line with local guideline after 1st line failure followed by GP continuation
- Amber 3: specialist initiation and stabilisation followed by GP continuation
- Amber SCG: specialist initiation and stabilisation followed by GP continuation in line with an agreed shared care guideline
- Red: Hospital or specialist prescribing only
Last updated by: Dupe Fagbenro on 11-10-2018 12:27