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BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE (ben zal KOE nee um klor ide) prevents skin infection. It is often used to clean and disinfect the skin after an injury or before a procedure. It works by killing or preventing the growth of bacteria on the skin. It belongs to a group of medications called antiseptics.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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This medication is for external use only. Do not take it by mouth. Wash your hands before and after use. If you are treating your hands, wash them only before use. Do not get this medication in your eyes. If you do, rinse your eyes with plenty of cool tap water. Use this medication as directed on the label. Do not use it more often than directed.
Clean the affected area of the skin and pat it dry. Apply a thin film of the medication to the affected area. Let it dry. You can cover the area with a sterile gauze dressing (bandage).
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be used in children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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-Detergents and soaps
Do not use any other skin products on the same area of skin without talking to your care team.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. If you need to use this medication for more than 1 week, talk to your care team.
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This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use. It should only be used as needed.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Burning or pain at application site
-Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
-Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix it with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or another unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
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