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Drapolene

, Medical Reviewer, Editor
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

Drapolene is a medical preparation that contains two active components: benzalkonium chloride and cetrimide. Both of these components have antiseptic properties and are widely used in medical practice.

  1. Benzalkonium chloride: It is a quaternary ammonium salt that has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. It is widely used to combat bacteria, fungi and viruses. Benzalkonium chloride can be included in various medical preparations for the treatment of skin infections, mucous membranes, and for washing wounds and burns.
  2. Cetrimide: It is a cationic surface-active agent that has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. It is also used to treat skin and mucous membrane infections, as well as to prevent and treat various conditions associated with infectious processes.

Drapolene is commonly used as a topical antiseptic to treat a variety of skin infections, including wounds, burns, scratches, abrasions, cracks, and other skin lesions. It can be applied as a solution to the skin surface or as an ointment or cream to treat infected areas.

It is important to remember that Drapolene should be used in accordance with the instructions and under the supervision of a physician, especially if the drug is used in children or in the presence of any special medical conditions.

ATC classification

D08AJ Четвертичные аммониевые соединения

Active ingredients

Бензалкония хлорид
Цетримид

Pharmacological group

Антисептики и дезинфицирующие средства в комбинациях

Pharmachologic effect

Антисептические (дезинфицирующие) препараты

Indications Drapolene

  1. Wounds: Drapolene can be used to treat a variety of wounds, including minor cuts, scrapes, abrasions, cracks and other superficial injuries.
  2. Burns: The drug can be used to treat superficial burns of small areas, such as sunburn or burns from hot objects.
  3. Infected skin diseases: Drapolene can be used to treat infectious skin diseases such as pyoderma (purulent skin diseases), furuncles (skin abscesses), pustules and others.
  4. Prevention of infections: The drug can be used to prevent infections of the skin and mucous membranes in case of minor injuries or surgical interventions.

Release form

Drapolene is available as an ointment. Each gram of ointment contains 1 mg of benzalkonium chloride and 5 mg of cetrimide.

Pharmacodynamics

  1. Benzalkonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound that has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. It works by disrupting the cell membranes of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, causing them to die.
  2. Cetrimide is a cationic surfactant that also has antimicrobial properties. It penetrates the cell membranes of microorganisms, causing disruption of their functioning and, ultimately, destruction.

Pharmacokinetics

  1. Benzalkonium chloride: This antimicrobial agent, a quaternary ammonium salt, is likely to undergo absorption through the skin or mucous membranes when applied topically. Because it has antiseptic properties, its metabolism and excretion may be related to the general mechanisms of metabolism of quaternary ammonium salts in the body.
  2. Cetrimide: It is a cationic surfactant that can also be absorbed through the skin or mucous membranes when applied topically. Its metabolism and excretion may be related to the general mechanisms of metabolism and excretion of cationic surfactants.

Dosing and administration

The dosage and method of application may vary depending on individual characteristics and doctor's recommendations. However, the ointment is usually applied to the affected areas of the skin in a thin layer 2-3 times a day. Before application, the skin should be thoroughly cleaned and dried.

Use Drapolene during pregnancy

The use of Drapolene during pregnancy may be associated with some risks, so it should be used with caution. Here are the main results of the studies:

  1. A study of the safety and acceptability of vaginal disinfection with benzalkonium chloride in HIV-infected pregnant women in West Africa showed that vaginal disinfection with benzalkonium chloride is a feasible and well-tolerated intervention in West Africa. Its effectiveness in preventing vertical transmission of HIV remains to be demonstrated (Msellati et al., 1999).
  2. A study of the embryotoxicity of benzalkonium chloride administered vaginally in rats showed that a single vaginal application of benzalkonium chloride may be embryo- and fetocidal in rats at a dose approximately 143 times higher than that recommended for conception control in women (Buttar, 1985).

These data highlight the need for caution when using benzalkonium chloride and cetrimide during pregnancy, particularly given the potential risks to the fetus.

Contraindications

  1. Known Allergy: People with a known allergy to benzalkonium chloride, cetrimide, or other ingredients of this drug should avoid using it because of the risk of allergic reactions.
  2. Broken or irritated skin: This product may increase irritation or cause additional problems when applied to skin that is already broken or irritated.
  3. Children: For children, it is necessary to consult a doctor before using the drug, since its safety in children may not be sufficiently studied.
  4. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is insufficient data on the safety of using the drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so its use in these cases should be carried out only after consultation with a doctor.
  5. Special health conditions: People with certain health conditions or medical problems may be at increased risk for complications when using this medicine. This includes people with kidney or liver problems, and those taking certain medications or have other medical conditions.

Side effects Drapolene

  1. Allergic reactions: Some people may have allergic reactions to the components of Drapolene, which may manifest as itching, skin rash, swelling or angioedema. If allergic reactions occur, stop using the drug immediately and seek medical attention.
  2. Skin reactions: Some people may experience skin irritation or redness, burning, stinging, or dryness where Drapolene is applied. These reactions are usually mild and temporary.
  3. Primary irritation or burns: Primary skin irritation or burns may occur if Drapolene is used incorrectly or is used excessively. Therefore, it is important to follow the instructions for use and not exceed the recommended dosage.
  4. Dry skin: Prolonged use of Drapolene or its application to large areas of skin may cause dry skin.
  5. Local reactions on mucous membranes: When using Drapolene on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose or eyes, irritation, burning, tingling or even pain may occur.
  6. Systemic side effects: Although systemic side effects are generally unlikely with topical application of Drapolene, some people may experience symptoms of an allergic reaction or reaction to the antiseptic components.

Overdose

  1. Allergic reactions: In severe cases of allergy, anaphylactic reactions may develop, manifested by hives, swelling of the larynx and difficulty breathing.
  2. Skin Irritation: If large amounts of the product are applied topically to the skin, severe irritation, redness, burning or itching may occur.
  3. Systemic effects: Systemic effects may occur if the drug is swallowed, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, convulsions, and others.

Interactions with other drugs

  1. Antiseptics and antimicrobials: Using Drapolene simultaneously with other antiseptics or antimicrobials may result in an enhanced antimicrobial effect, which may be useful in case of infectious conditions of the skin or mucous membranes.
  2. Corticosteroids: Topical application of corticosteroids to the same area of skin where Drapolene is used may reduce the effectiveness of the antiseptic action. In addition, corticosteroids may increase the risk of developing a skin infection.
  3. Local anesthetics: There may be a risk of increased toxicity of local anesthetics when used with Drapolene.
  4. Drugs that cause allergic reactions: When used in parallel with drugs that cause allergic reactions, the risk of allergic reactions may increase when using Drapolen.
  5. Wound healing agents: Using wound healing agents together may improve the effectiveness of treatment because Drapolene helps prevent wound infection.
  6. Anti-bleeding agents: When using anti-bleeding agents such as hemostatics, there may be problems with the effectiveness of topical application of Drapolene in case of wounds.

Storage conditions

  1. Temperature: Store the drug at a temperature between 15°C and 30°C.
  2. Humidity: Avoid exposure to high humidity. Store Drapolene in a dry place.
  3. Light: Store the product away from light to prevent oxidation or decomposition due to exposure to light.
  4. Packaging: Keep Drapolene in its original package or container to prevent contact with moisture or other substances.
  5. Child Access: Keep this medicine out of reach of children to prevent accidental use.
  6. Expiry Date: Follow the instructions on the package or your doctor's instructions regarding the expiration date of the medicine. Do not use Drapolene after the expiration date.


Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Drapolene" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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