b. Antiseptic. A preparation that checks or prevents the growth or development
of pathogenic (disease-producing) bacteria. Antiseptics are primarily intended for use
upon animate (living) objects. Antiseptics usually act as bacteriostats.
c. Bactericide. A drug that kills bacteria.
d. Bacteriostat. A drug that inhibits the growth of bacteria.
e. Disinfectant. A preparation that kills infectious organisms, but does not
necessarily destroy their spores. Disinfectants are primarily intended for use upon
inanimate (nonliving) objects. For the most part, disinfectants act as bactericides.
f. Fungicide. A drug used to kill fungus that infects the body surface.
g. Fungistat. An agent that inhibits the growth of fungous organisms without
necessarily killing them.
h. Pediculicide. A preparation used to kill lice.
i.
Scabicide. A preparation used to kill itch mites (scabies).
j. Sterile. An object is sterile if it is free from all living organisms. The
appropriate use of antiseptics and disinfectants will greatly reduce the number of
pathogenic (disease-producing) organisms present, but these agents will seldom
sterilize objects.
2-6.
ALCOHOLS
a. Discussion. Both ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol have an antiseptic
action when applied to the skin. Alcohol is commonly applied to the skin prior to giving
an injection to cleanse the infection site. In addition, alcohol may be used for the
disinfection of some medical equipment, such as thermometers. Isopropyl alcohol is a
more effective antiseptic agent than ethyl alcohol.
b. Strength. For both ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol, the optimum
concentration for antiseptic purposes is 70 percent. If this concentration is varied, either
higher or lower, these products become less effective. Stronger concentrations of ethyl
alcohol may result in the formation of spores.
c. Other Uses.
(1) Both ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol may be applied to the skin as a
cooling rub in concentrations of 35 percent-70 percent.
MD0913
2-8