dequalinium chloride at a glance
Medicine class
Quaternary ammonium anti-infective and antiseptic
Licensed use
Treatment of bacterial vaginosis
Administration
Inserted deeply into the vagina; not swallowed
Supply
Prescription-only medicine
What is dequalinium chloride used for?
The selected UK product has one licensed indication.
Treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
How does dequalinium chloride work?
It acts on contact with bacteria in the vagina, disrupting their cell membranes and enzyme activity. This causes bacterial cell death. Systemic absorption after vaginal use is expected to be very small.
dequalinium chloride preparations and strengths
Vaginal tablet
Route: Vaginal
Strengths: 10 mg
How to take dequalinium chloride
Use vaginally as directed by the prescriber and package leaflet.
Wash your hands before handling the tablet.
Insert it deeply into the vagina while reclining with your legs slightly bent.
Tablet residue may appear in underwear; a panty liner can be used.
If the vagina is very dry, the tablet may be moistened with a drop of water before insertion.
dequalinium chloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Vaginal discharge
- Vaginal itching or burning
- Vaginal candidiasis (thrush)
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reaction with swelling or a widespread rash
- Vaginal ulceration
- Unexpected uterine or vaginal bleeding requiring prompt assessment
dequalinium chloride in pregnancy
Pregnancy experience is limited, but available clinical data have not suggested harm. Use only when clearly necessary after discussion with a prescriber. Contact a GP or midwife about changed discharge during pregnancy.
dequalinium chloride while breastfeeding
Systemic exposure after vaginal use is considered negligible, so harmful effects in a breastfed infant are not anticipated. It may be used during breastfeeding when clinically needed.
dequalinium chloride interactions
Interactions mainly concern products used inside the vagina.
Soaps, detergents and other anionic surfactants
Intravaginal exposure can reduce antimicrobial activity, so vaginal washes and douches should be avoided.
Spermicides
Concurrent intravaginal use is not recommended because it may reduce antimicrobial activity.
Non-latex condoms and diaphragms
Compatibility is uncertain, so concurrent use is not recommended.
Latex condoms
The vaginal tablets are not expected to impair latex-condom function.
Common questions about dequalinium chloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is dequalinium chloride an antibiotic?
It is classed as a locally acting anti-infective antiseptic rather than a conventional systemic antibiotic.
Does it treat thrush?
No. Its selected UK licence is for bacterial vaginosis, and vaginal candidiasis can occur as a side effect.
Does it treat sexually transmitted infections?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.