Triclosan
About
Triclosan belongs to a group of medicines called anti-microbial agents used to treat microbial infections. An infection occurs when a harmful micro-organism enters the body. The infectious micro-organisms known as pathogens use the person’s body to survive and reproduce, leading to infections.
Triclosan contains ‘Triclosan’ that blocks fatty acid synthesis by inhibiting the enoyl reductase enzyme. This disrupts the lipid synthesis and kills the cell, leading to the death of infection, causing micro-organisms. Thereby, Triclosan helps to treat the infections.
Triclosan is for external use only. You are advised to use Triclosan for as long as your doctor has recommended it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain side effects, such as dryness, itching, irritation, and a burning sensation. You are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Consult your doctor before using Triclosan if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Inform your doctor regarding the other medicines you take and your health condition. Do not use Triclosan for longer durations unless told by the doctor. Talk to your doctor if your condition does not improve despite using Triclosan for a few weeks.
Uses of Triclosan
Medicinal Benefits
Triclosan belongs to a group of medicines called anti-microbial agents. Triclosan is used to treat and prevent various infections. Triclosan is a synthetic, broad-spectrum anti-microbial agent with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Triclosan blocks fatty acid synthesis by inhibiting the enoyl reductase enzyme, this disrupts the lipid synthesis and kills the cell, which leads to the death of the infection-causing organism. Thereby, Triclosan helps to treat the infections.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Triclosan
- Dryness
- Itching
- Irritation
- Burning sensation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not use Triclosan if you are allergic to any of its contents. Do not use Triclosan on burns. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and the medicines you are taking to rule out unpleasant side effects. Inform your doctor if you have a skin infection which is not healing. Consult your doctor before using Triclosan if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not known whether Triclosan interacts with alcohol; please consult your doctor. Triclosan is not recommended for children unless the doctor advises.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known whether Triclosan interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionLimited information is available regarding the usage of Triclosan in pregnancy. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will advise only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionLimited information is available regarding the usage of Triclosan in breastfeeding women. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will decide whether Triclosan can be used by breastfeeding mothers.
Driving
not applicableTriclosan does not affect driving.
Liver
cautionLimited information is available regarding the usage of Triclosan in patients with liver problems. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Kidney
cautionLimited information is available regarding the usage of Triclosan in patients with kidney problems. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Children
cautionTriclosan is not recommended for children unless the doctor advises.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Use mild soap while taking baths and prefer warm baths.
- Always wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid further sweat and the spread of the infection.
- Regularly change your socks and wash your feet. Avoid shoes that make your feet sweaty and hot.
- Do not walk barefoot at places like gym showers to prevent infections.
- Do not scratch the affected area of the skin, as it can spread the infection to other body parts.
- Avoid sharing towels, combs, bed sheets, shoes or socks with others.
- Wash your bed sheets and towels regularly.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and sleep peacefully.
Special Advise
- Clean and dry the affected area before using Triclosan.
- Do not use Triclosan on dressing, band-aids and make-up unless told by the doctor.
- Wash your hands before and after using Triclosan; however, do not wash your hands if you apply Triclosan on your hand.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Microbial Infections: An infection occurs when a micro-organism enters the body and causes harm. The infectious microorganisms known as pathogens use the person’s body for survival and reproduction. Pathogens could be bacteria, viruses or fungi, which might cause bacterial infection, viral infection or fungal infection. The infections could occur due to skin contact, transfer of body fluids, contact with faeces, ingestion of contaminated food or water, or inhaling airborne particles.
FAQs
Triclosan works by killing the micro-organisms that cause infections. Thus, it treats and prevents infections.
Triclosan should not be used for longer durations unless recommended by a doctor. If your condition does not improve despite using Triclosan for a few weeks, consult your doctor. Your doctor may suggest you an alternative medicine.
Continue using Triclosan for as long as your doctor has advised you. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while using Triclosan.
Triclosan can be used on the face if advised by the doctor. However, do not apply Triclosan directly on the face. Take the required quantity of Triclosan onto your finger and gently massage it onto the face's affected areas.
Do not use Triclosan on dressing, band-aids and make-up unless told by the doctor.
