cetrimide: clinical use

Prescribing considerations

• Confirm that the intended site and indication match the formulation.
• External use only; avoid ocular exposure and do not use the cream in body cavities.
• Repeated or prolonged exposure may promote sensitisation.
• For burns, ensure appropriate immediate cooling and assess whether specialist care is required.

Contraindications and cautions

• Known hypersensitivity to cetrimide or another product ingredient.
• Do not use the spray on weeping or badly inflamed skin.

Monitoring

• No routine laboratory monitoring is specified.
• Observe for irritation, dermatitis or sensitisation; reassess worsening or non-resolving lesions.

Clinical pharmacology

Cetrimide is a cationic quaternary ammonium disinfectant with bactericidal activity against Gram-positive and some Gram-negative organisms. It disrupts the bacterial cell envelope; antiviral activity is relatively weak.

Formulation and product differences

• The cream and wound-wash spray have different licensed indications and administration methods.
• The cream contains cetostearyl alcohol, which may cause local skin reactions, and chlorocresol, which may cause allergic reactions.
• The aqueous spray must not be used on weeping or badly inflamed skin.
• The cream is incompatible with soaps, anionic surfactants, iodine and several other listed substances.