Question

Which of the following is not an antiseptic drug? (a) lindane (b) dettol (c) gentian violet (d) iodoform

Short answer

Lindane is not an antiseptic drug.

Step-by-step solution

Understand What an Antiseptic Is

Antiseptics are substances that inhibit the growth and development of microorganisms and are applied to living tissues, such as skin, to reduce the possibility of infection. Identifying a substance that is not used for this purpose requires familiarity with each option.

Identify the Use of Each Option

- **Lindane**: Used as a treatment for lice and scabies, primarily acting as an insecticide rather than an antiseptic. - **Dettol**: A well-known antiseptic used for cleaning wounds. - **Gentian violet**: An antiseptic dye used to treat fungal infections. - **Iodoform**: Used as an antiseptic dressing for minor skin conditions.

Determine Which Option Is Not an Antiseptic

From Step 2, lindane is not primarily used as an antiseptic since it functions mainly as an insecticide to treat lice and scabies.

Key concepts

Lindane

Lindane is a chemical compound primarily used to treat lice and scabies. It is classified as an insecticide, and not typically regarded as an antiseptic drug. Lindane works by affecting the nervous system of insects, ultimately leading to their death. It's important to remember that lindane is not employed to prevent infections or inhibit microorganism growth on living tissues.
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Usage: Mainly used externally on the skin surface for scabies or as a shampoo for lice.

Mechanism: Functions by disrupting the central nervous system of parasites.

Precautions: Due to potential neurotoxicity, its use should be precisely as prescribed and not used repeatedly.

Lindane's function as an insecticide differentiates it from antiseptic agents, which have the purpose of cleaning wounds or preventing infection.

Antiseptic agents

Antiseptic agents are substances designed to inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses on living tissues. They are crucial in reducing the risk of infections, especially in medical settings where injuries or surgeries occur.
Antiseptics are different from disinfectants; while both kill microorganisms, antiseptics are safe to use on skin and other living tissues, whereas disinfectants are typically used on non-living surfaces. Some common antiseptic agents include:

• Alcohols: Ethanol and isopropanol are widely used for skin cleansing.
• Povidone-iodine: Commonly used in surgical procedures to prepare the skin.
• Hydrogen peroxide: Useful for disinfecting wounds and sterilizing equipment.

Antiseptics are essential in maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of infections in hospitals and day-to-day wound care.

Uses of antiseptics

The primary purpose of antiseptics is to prevent infections by eliminating or halting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms on living tissues. They are often applied to cuts, abrasions, or any open wounds to ensure a reduced risk of infection.
There are various scenarios and applications where antiseptics play a critical role:

• Wound care: Cleaning cuts and abrasions to avoid infection is one of the most common uses.
• Pre-surgical site preparation: Antiseptics are applied before surgical procedures to prepare the skin.
• Hand hygiene: Essential in healthcare settings to maintain cleanliness and reduce germ transmission.

Using antiseptics correctly can significantly contribute to better health outcomes by maintaining a sterile environment, both in healthcare institutions and at home.