cetrimide at a glance
Class
Quaternary ammonium antiseptic and disinfectant
Usual role
First aid for selected minor burns, grazes, wounds and other minor skin problems
Route
External use on the skin only; avoid the eyes
Key precaution
Repeated or prolonged use can cause skin sensitisation
What is cetrimide used for?
Licensed uses depend on the formulation.
The cream is licensed for minor burns, nappy rash and abrasions.
The wound-wash spray is licensed for cuts, grazes, insect bites, minor wounds, spots, minor burns and scalds.
How does cetrimide work?
Cetrimide disrupts bacterial cell membranes, allowing cell contents to leak. Its activity against viruses is limited.
How to take cetrimide
Use only on the skin and follow the specific product instructions. Cool a burn or scald under cool running water first; serious burns need medical assessment.
Apply the cream directly to the affected skin.
Hold the wound-wash bottle upright and spray from the stated distance. It can wash away dirt and debris.
Avoid the eyes. Do not put the cream into body cavities.
Do not use the spray on weeping or badly inflamed skin.
cetrimide side effects
Common or expected effects
- Local skin irritation
- Red, itchy skin or a rash
- Skin sensitisation or contact allergy, particularly after repeated or prolonged use
cetrimide in pregnancy
Evidence differs by formulation. The spray is not considered a hazard during pregnancy, although safety has not been established. No safety information is available for the cream. Check with a pharmacist or prescriber if treatment is needed, especially over large, damaged or inflamed areas.
cetrimide while breastfeeding
The spray is not considered a hazard during breastfeeding despite limited safety evidence, while no safety information is available for the cream. Avoid areas where an infant could lick or directly contact treated skin, and seek professional advice if uncertain.
cetrimide interactions
No clinically significant medicine interactions are reported for these products. Do not physically mix the cream with soap, anionic surfactants, iodine or other listed incompatible substances because these may reduce its stability or activity.
Common questions about cetrimide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is cetrimide used for?
It is a topical antiseptic used in selected products for minor skin injuries, including grazes, small wounds and minor burns. The cream is also licensed for nappy rash.
Can cetrimide be used on a burn?
These products are licensed for minor burns, but cool the burn promptly with cool running water first. Large, deep, chemical, electrical or sensitive-site burns need urgent assessment.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.