benzalkonium chloride at a glance
Medicine class
Medicated shampoo with antiseptic and scale-lifting actions
Usual uses
Scaling and dandruff associated with pityriasis capitis and other seborrhoeic scalp conditions
How it is used
Applied to wet hair, massaged into the scalp and rinsed off thoroughly
Who it is licensed for
Adults, children and older people
What is benzalkonium chloride used for?
The selected shampoo is licensed for topical treatment of:
Pityriasis capitis, including severe dandruff with scalp scaling
Other seborrhoeic scalp conditions involving scaling and dandruff
How does benzalkonium chloride work?
Benzalkonium chloride is attracted to dry scalp scales and helps loosen them. Interaction with the shampoo’s negatively charged foaming agent lifts the scales into the lather so they can be rinsed away. It also disrupts microbial cell membranes, producing a mild antiseptic effect.
How to take benzalkonium chloride
For external scalp use only.
Wet the hair before application.
Work enough shampoo into the scalp with the fingertips to form a rich lather.
Remove excess lather and rinse thoroughly under running water.
A second lather may be used if needed, followed by thorough rinsing.
Keep undiluted shampoo and lather away from the eyes.
benzalkonium chloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- No common adverse effects are established in the selected SmPC. Sodium benzoate in the shampoo may cause local irritation.
Get urgent medical advice
- Stop using it and seek urgent assessment for sudden facial, mouth or throat swelling, breathing difficulty, collapse or another suspected severe allergic reaction.
benzalkonium chloride in pregnancy
The selected shampoo’s UK SmPC states that no special precautions are required during pregnancy.
benzalkonium chloride while breastfeeding
The selected shampoo’s UK SmPC states that no special precautions are required during breastfeeding. It is intended for scalp use and should be rinsed away thoroughly.
benzalkonium chloride interactions
No interactions with other medicines are known for the selected shampoo.
Common questions about benzalkonium chloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is benzalkonium chloride shampoo used for?
The selected shampoo is licensed for pityriasis capitis and other seborrhoeic scalp conditions involving scaling and dandruff.
Is benzalkonium chloride an antifungal?
It is described as a mild antiseptic and scale-lifting agent, not as an antifungal.
How does it remove dandruff scales?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.