benzalkonium chloride

A mixture of alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chlorides in which the alkyls are long-chain compounds (C₈ to C₁₈); a surface-active germicide for many pathogenic nonsporulating bacteria and fungi. Aqueous solutions of this agent have a low surface tension, and possess detergent, keratolytic, and emulsifying properties that aid the penetration and wetting of tissue surfaces.

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benz·al·ko·ni·um chloride .ben-zal-.kō-nē-əm- n a white or yellowish white mixture of chloride salts obtained as a bitter aromatic powder or gelatinous pieces that is used as an antiseptic and germicide see ZEPHIRAN

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ben·zal·ko·ni·um chlo·ride (ben″zal-koґne-əm) [NF] a quaternary ammonium compound, being a mixture of alkylbenzyl dimethylammonium chlorides; a rapidly acting surface disinfectant and detergent active against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and certain viruses, fungi, yeasts, and protozoa; applied topically to the skin and mucous membranes and to wounds as an antiseptic and used intravaginally as a spermicide. It is also used as a preservative for pharmaceuticals and a disinfectant for surgical instruments.