Disinfectants: Alcohols and Chlorhexidine solutions

• Alcohol refers to Ethanol
• Methylated spirits is also known as denatured alcohols. It includes specific additives (Methanol) that make it non-drinkable. This form of ethanol has a bad taste, smells foul, and is poisonous if ingested
• Isopropyl alcohol (also isopropanol, rubbing alcohol, or the abbreviation IPA) is a common name for propan-2-ol.  It is a very useful solvent for things like nail polish, rubbing alcohol, sterile gauze pads, handiwipes. It evaporates very quickly and kills bacteria so it is used to sterilize the skin before injections.
• Chlorhexidine is a  bisbiguanide antiseptic and disinfectant. Combinations (cetrimide or in alcoholic soln): enhance efficacy

USE

• Alcohol compounds with strengths of 70-95% are used as disinfectants. For disinfectant properties, the contact time needs to be at least 10 minutes (up to 30 minutes)
• Selections between agents usually are dependent on the site of disinfection:

PRODUCTS	USE
Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.2% Mouthwash	·       Mouth disorders e.g. gingivitis
Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.05% Lotion	·       Swabbing in obstetrics, wounds and burns.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.5%in spirit 70%	·       Cleaning of the birth canal ·       To be used undiluted for pre-operative skin preparation and instruments disinfection
Chlorhexidine Gluconate 4% Scrub	·       To be used instead of soap for pre-operative hand and skin preparation and for general hand and skin disinfection
Alcohol 70 % (ethanol)	·       Disinfecting the outside surface of small containers
Methylated Spirit 70%	·       Decontamination of equipment which might be damaged by aqueous disinfectants

References:

1. Antiseptics & Chemical Disinfectants Authorised for Use Within WUTH
2. Selection and Use of Disinfectant. University of Nebraska.