cetyldimethylbenzylammonium

Absorption

Cetalkonium is used mainly topically and it is not absorbed. When administered orally and parenterally, cetalkonium absorption may happen but it is very insignificant.

Toxicity

A fatal dose is reported to be in the range of 1-3 g and the LD50 observed in different preclinical studies has been from 60-400 mg/kg depending on the animal species and route of administration.

Originator

Cetalkonium Chloride,Chemische Fabrik Berg

Background

Cetalkonium is a C16 alkyl benzalkonium chloride derivative with an amphipathic property which allows it to be used in different types of formulations. It is a quaternary ammonium salt that acts as an antiseptic against a variety of bacteria and fungi. Cetalkonium is approved by the FDA for its use in over-the-counter products as a skin protectant. By Health Canada, it is also approved for its use in over-the-counter products.

Indications

Cetalkonium is used as a surfactant, germicide, fungicide, mildew preventive agents in silicone-based water repellents, emulsifier, disinfectant, topical anti-infective, and antiseptic antimicrobial for pharmaceuticals. For its chemical properties and its antiseptical characteristics, cetalkonium can be used in a wide variety of products as part of the formulations and it is also determined to be an active antiseptic ingredient in over-the-counter preparations.

Definition

ChEBI: Cetalkonium chloride is an aromatic amine.

Manufacturing Process

185 parts of hexadecylamine and 126.5 parts of benzylchloride was stirred at 100°C for 8 hours. After cooling to the crystalline product was added methyl chloride. N-Hexadecyl-N,N-dimethylbenzenemethanaminium chloride was obtained.

Therapeutic Function

Antiseptic

Pharmacokinetics

Cetalkonium is an antimicrobial agent and it has shown to be effective against both gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria and fungi. From this property, it has been shown to present a better activity against the gram-negative organisms.

Metabolism

As cetalkonium is not absorbed, this pharmacokinetic property is not relevant.