A Short Overview of Benzalkonium Chloride in Pharmaceutical Sector: Safety, Environmental Impact and Alternatives

27 June 2024, Version 1
This content is a preprint and has not undergone peer review at the time of posting.

Abstract

In this paper, an overview of the environmental and safety concerns of benzalkonium chloride (BAC), a chemical used extensively in pharmaceuticals, is provided. The topics covered include BAC processing, its various applications, toxicity, and environmental considerations. The industrial processing methods for BAC, its use as an excipient in drug compositions, and any negative consequences of BAC, are covered in this article. Because the concentration of BAC in formulations is often lower than 0.05%, the dose that is administered when it is utilized as an excipient is relatively modest. Additionally, the review draws attention to the potential allergic reactions that may take place after the initial administration of BAC. Alternative approaches to overcome the potential side effects of this medicine have also been addressed.

Keywords

Benzalkonium chloride (BAC)
disinfectants
antimicrobial preservatives
toxicity
environmental impacts
alternative substances

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