hexachlorophene n : antibacterial substance that is a water-soluble powder used in antiseptic soaps and toothpaste

Hexachlorophene, also known as Nabac, is a disinfectant. The compound occurs as a white to light-tan crystalline powder, which either is odorless or produces a slightly phenolic odor. In medicine, hexachlorophene is very useful as a topical anti-infective, anti-bacterial agent, often used in soaps. It is also used in agriculture as a soil fungicide, plant bactericide, and acaricide.

Two companies manufactured over-the-counter preparations. One, by The Mennen Company, Morristown, NJ, was known as Baby Magic Bath. However, Mennen recalled the product, and all bottles were taken off retail shelves. Right after the withdrawal, there was an outbreak of Staphylococcus infections in hospitals across the USA.

A commercial preparation of the drug, pHisoHex, was widely used as a very effective antibacterial skin cleanser in the treatment of acne. In the U.S. during the 1960s, it was available over the counter, and remains available as a prescription body wash. In the E.U. during the 1970s and 1980s, it was available over the counter. A related product, pHisoAc, was used as a skin mask to dry and peel away acne lesions. Another preparation, pHiso-Scrub, was a hexachlorophene-impregnated sponge for scrubbing; it has since been discontinued.

In 1969, hexachlorophene became suspected of causing cancer. Around 1973 it was withdrawn from over-the-counter sales as a treatment for acne, and became a prescription drug. It was later determined not to cause cancer. Nevertheless, hexachlorophene soap is not available over the counter today, because once a product has been withdrawn by the FDA it is virtually impossible for it to be reinstated, even after invalidation of the reasons for its removal. The MSDS still lists this compound as an experimental teratogen.

Possibly because of the previous questions concerning its effects, most dermatologists today do not prescribe it for acne treatment. In Australia, it remains freely available from all pharmacies without prescription.

Several substitute products (including triclosan) were developed, but none had the germ-killing capability of hexachlorophene.

Alternative names

Alternative names for hexachlorophene include: Acigena, Almederm, AT7, AT17, Bilevon, Exofene, Fostril, Gamophen, G-11, Germa-Medica, Hexosan, Septisol, Surofene.

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