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Octenidine dihydrochloride, a modern antiseptic for skin, mucous membranes and wounds

N-O Hübner1, J Siebert, A Kramer

  • 1Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Ernst Moritz Arndt University Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany. nhuebner@uni-greifswald.de

Skin Pharmacology and Physiology
|May 21, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Octenidine dihydrochloride (octenidine) is a well-established antiseptic for skin, mucous membranes, and wounds. Extensive research confirms its efficacy and safety as an alternative to older antiseptics.

Area of Science:

  • Antimicrobial agents
  • Dermatology
  • Infection control

Background:

  • Octenidine dihydrochloride (octenidine) has been utilized for over two decades.
  • A substantial body of evidence supports its use in antisepsis.
  • It is recognized as a viable alternative to traditional antiseptics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the existing literature and original data on octenidine.
  • To evaluate the efficacy, tolerance, and safety of octenidine.
  • To position octenidine as an alternative to older antiseptic agents.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review.
  • Inclusion of in vitro and animal studies.
  • Analysis of clinical data from case reports and controlled trials.

Main Results:

  • Octenidine demonstrates established efficacy in various applications.
  • Extensive data supports its safety and tolerance profile.
  • Clinical experience confirms its utility in antisepsis.

Conclusions:

  • Octenidine is a proven antiseptic for skin, mucous membranes, and wounds.
  • It offers a reliable alternative to chlorhexidine, polyvidone-iodine, and triclosan.
  • The review consolidates current knowledge on octenidine's applications and benefits.

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