pharmachpt44

• Role of Antiseptics and Disinfectants:
• Microorganisms are everywhere, found on skin, hair, furniture, and in air currents
• Pathogenic microorganisms can gain access to the general circulation
• Nosocomial infections:
• Hospital-acquired infections may result from catheterization
• Patients with decreased immunity are at greater risk
• Superbugs pose a threat to the use of antibiotics
• Clinical strategy:
• Elimination of potential pathogens is the goal
• Asepsis is a priority in surgery
• Categories of Antisepsis and Disinfection:
• Microbicidal chemicals kill microorganisms, while microbiostatic chemicals inhibit growth
• Sterilization involves complete eradication of all spores and microorganisms
• Cleaning technique: surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned before applying a disinfectant
• Clinical Uses of Antiseptics and Disinfectants:
• Antibiotics kill pathogens in the bloodstream and are targeted at specific microorganisms
• Antiseptics cleanse and irrigate wounds, cuts, and abrasions
• Disinfectants clean and store surgical instruments, disinfect operating room walls and floors, and sterilize objects through cold sterilization
• Common Chemicals that Inhibit Infectious Microorganisms:
• Mechanisms of antimicrobial action include interfering with cell metabolism, damaging nucleic acid, disrupting cell membranes, and denaturing protein
• Halogenated compounds like iodophors and chlorine bleach are effective against bacteria, protozoa, and viruses
• Alcohol, such as ethyl and isopropyl alcohol, can be used alone or in combination with other compounds
• Phenols like hexachlorophene and triclosan have specific uses and limitations
• Peroxides like hydrogen peroxide and chlorhexidine are used for wound cleaning and oral care
• Quaternary ammonium compounds are effective disinfectants for enveloped viruses
• Heavy metals like silver nitrate have specific uses, such as in ophthalmic antiseptics
• Organomercurials are bacteriostatic and found in eye-care products
• Aldehydes like formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde have specific uses and precautions
• Adverse Effects and Special Cautions:
• Adverse effects of antiseptics and disinfectants include dryness, irritation, and hypersensitivity
• Avoid oral consumption of these chemicals
• Role of Antiseptics and Disinfectants:
• Microorganisms are everywhere, found on skin, hair, furniture, and in air currents
• Pathogenic microorganisms can gain access to the general circulation
• Nosocomial infections:
• Hospital-acquired infections may result from catheterization
• Patients with decreased immunity are at greater risk
• Superbugs pose a threat to the use of antibiotics
• Clinical strategy:
• Elimination of potential pathogens is the goal