What are mechanisms of action of Triclosan and Povidone?

Povidone: its action is produced by oxidation and inactivation of cellular components.

Triclosan: is absorbed by intact skin which determines its persistence and its speed of action is intermediate.

Explanation:

Povidona:

- It presents the same mechanism of action and spectrum of iodine.

- It is a water-soluble compound that results from the combination of iodine and polyvinylpyrrolidone, which improves the solubility of iodine and allows its gradual release into tissues. This effect determines less skin irritation and greater product availability over time.

- The term "available iodine" refers to the amount of iodine available as a reservoir and that of free iodine to the percentage in solution in working condition, that is, a 10% povidone iodine solution, contains 1% of available iodine and the iodine concentration Free is 1 to 2 parts of a million that remains until the available iodine is depleted. This product advantage is lost when diluted in water, since in these circumstances it behaves as an aqueous solution of iodine.

- Its activity can be diminished by the presence of blood or other organic matter.

- The concentrations commonly used as a surgical scrubber are 7.5% and 8% and in the one used for cures it is 10%.

- In relation to tincture of iodine or lugol, it presents less dermal irritation. They should be used with caution in newborns and burned

- Its antiseptic action is classified between high level and intermediate level. They are lethal in minutes for bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa, amoeba cysts and spores. However, in front of dry spores it requires a longer exposure time (hours).

- Iodized antiseptics have the advantage of being cheap.

Triclosan:

- It is a relatively new phenolic derivative that acts causing damage to the cell wall of microorganisms. It is broad-spectrum bacterial, better for Gram + and there is little information about its activity in viruses.

- It is absorbed by intact skin which determines its persistence and its speed of action is intermediate.

- No allergenic or mutagenic effect has been demonstrated in short periods of use.

- Its activity is minimally affected by organic matter.

- The concentrations of usual use are between 0.3% and 2%.

- It is mainly indicated for clinical handwashing where it is used in 1% breads and in 0.5% liquid preparations.