Antiseptic solution: characteristic and application

An antiseptic solution is a volatile liquid that is easily ignited. Characterized by a specific odor. The active ingredient is ethanol. It is well mixed with water, diethyl ether, chloroform. Volumetric concentrations are determined in degrees, weight - in percent. The antiseptic solution is stored in a cool place, in a tightly closed container. Shelf life of the drug is up to five years. Use must be done not later than the date indicated on the package.

Antiseptic solution: the mechanism of action. With a local prescription, ethanol is irritating. When applied to the skin and mucous membranes, there is a feeling of cold, which changes in burning, then hyperemia. This action first arises reflexively, and then the direct influence of ethanol on the capillaries. The irritation of the receptors is altered by the suppression of their sensitivity, as a result of which it manifests itself and analgesic (analgesic) action.

When ingested in 5-10% concentration, the aseptic solution activates the secretion of the gastric glands; In higher concentrations inhibits the secretion of gastric juice, but it stimulates the release of mucus, without significantly affecting the gastric motility and peristalsis of the intestine. 70-90% ethanol provokes the development of a strong rarefaction with the release of a large amount of mucus. An antiseptic solution at moderate concentrations restores the dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract.

When applied to the wound surface or after subcutaneous administration, ethanol in 70% and higher concentrations can cause tissue necrosis due to the ability to easily remove cellular water, which leads to protein coagulation. This explains its bactericidal effect. A medical antiseptic solution of 95% concentration does not destroy microorganisms, since it only acts only superficially. Antimicrobial action is most expressed in 50-70% alcohol solutions.

Medical antiseptic solution: indications for use. Alcohol is easily absorbed by the mucous membranes, with 20-40% in the stomach, 60-80% in the intestine. The resorptive effect manifests itself in about twenty minutes. Resorptive action is similar to the action of drugs. After absorption, the drug is evenly distributed in tissues where it is partially oxidized by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase with the release of a large amount of energy. However, most of the ethanol is eliminated from the body in an unchanged state through the excretory organs.

For alcohol anesthesia is characterized by clearly expressed stages, especially the stage of excitation. It should be said that, unlike other drugs, this stage manifests itself in full consciousness. The spectrum of narcotic effect of ethanol is narrow, so it is very dangerous to use it for complete anesthesia. For example, in the human blood, the physiological norm is the ethanol content of 4 mg per 100 ml; Intoxication of varying degrees occurs at a concentration of 20 to 200 mg. Per 100 ml, coma - at 400 mg / 100 ml or more, death occurs at a concentration close to the value of 700 mg / 100 ml. Under the influence of alcohol, heat production decreases and heat transfer increases, which can lead to supercooling of the body. At the same time, breathing becomes superficial due to the depression of the center of breathing, the pulse becomes faster, blood pressure decreases due to the expansion of peripheral vessels.

External application of the aseptic solution provides disinfecting, antiseptic action. When alcohol is exposed to a microbial cell, the proteins are denatured and coagulated. This drug exhibits bacteriostatic action against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, as well as viruses. In surgical practice it is used for the operating field and hands, in pharmacy for the preparation of extracts and infusions.