What is Antiseptics and it type.

Antiseptics:

They are the agents that cause destruction or inhibition of growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi on living surfaces such as skin and mucous membranes. In the 19h century, the discovery and development of antiseptic chemicals and principles began. 1hey are different from antibiotics and antiviral drugs that work inside the body, and from disinfectants, which are chemicals applied to non-living items and surfaces.

Mechanisms of Actior:

All antiseptics interfere with life processes of microorganisms. Example: Benzylalkonium interferes with intracellular signaling and chemistry to the point that the cell membrane begins to disintegrate. lodine compounds irreversibly deform, or denature, critical proteins in bacteria, starting at the cell membrane and moving inwards. Alcohol also denatures and destroys cell membranes. Some soaps and detergents cause bacterial cell membranes to lose integrity or denature critical proteins. Other antiseptics directly interfere with critical enzymes inside a microbe.

Types of Antiseptics:

Many antiseptics are used today and they are classified based on their active chemical ingredients.

1.Alcohol Antiseptics:

They are generally composed of isopropyl or methyl alcohols and are commonly used to sterilize hard surfaces such as medical tools at hospitals. Medical personnel also use alcohol gels as hand sanitizers in order to prevent the spread of disease.

2.Chlorhexidine Antiseptics:

It is used as both oral and skin cleansing products. It is the active ingredient in prescription mouthwashes like Peridex (According to the FDA Professional Drug Information database). It is applied either directly ontc wounds or to unbroken skin before surgery in order to proactively prevent infections.

3.Idochlor Antiseptics:

They e se topical treatment to unbroken skin o applied mucus membranes to prevent infection before surgery. Example:-Betadine. 

4. Peroxygen Antiseptics:

They are used in bubbling reaction to blood and damaged cells. Example: hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is used to cleanse wounds and disinfect skin. It is also used as a  gargle or mouthwash. 

5. Phenol Antiseptics:

They soaps and scrubs. In addition, phenol can also be used in mouthwashes and throat lozenges. 

6. Quaternary Ammonium Compound Antiseptics:

They are also known as "Quats," They are the group of chemicals used in antiseptics commonly used to sterilize the skin before surgery. They are also used as a preservative in eye drops Example: Benzalkonium chloride.