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Gida / Magunguna A–Z / Benzalkonium chloride

Benzalkonium chloride

For handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin.

Checked against the official label · Updated

Sold without prescription in some countries Topical Safety alerts on record

How to use Benzalkonium chloride

What the official label says. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Your pack's leaflet comes first if it is different.

Who it is for

For handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin

How to take it and how often

wet hands apply palmful to hands scrub thoroughly rinse thoroughly

While you are taking it
  • Avoid contact with eyes
  • If contact occurs, rinse eyes thoroughly with water
Warnings

For external use only: hands only

Possible side effects

Irritation and redness develop condition persists for more than 72 hours

How to store it

Keep out of reach of children.

If you miss a dose

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.

From the official U.S. FDA label for this active ingredient. Your pack may have a different strength, so always read its leaflet. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure. Label dated 2026-02-27.

Registered products

United States (FDA)

AntisepticBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE 1.3 g/L · Liquid · Unifirst First Aid Corporation
NDC 47682-245Label
X3 Clean Foaming Hand SanitizerBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE 1.3 mg/mL · Aerosol, Foam · HK Kolmar Canada, Inc
NDC 49354-055Label
Antiseptic TowelettesBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE .13 g/100g · Cloth · CMC Group Inc.
NDC 49687-0011Label
Standard Ansi First AidKit · GFA Production (Xiamen) Co., Ltd.
NDC 50814-068Label
Dial Antibacterial Peppermint Cookie Limited SeasonalBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE .13 g/100mL · Solution · Henkel Corporation
NDC 54340-009Label

Nigeria (NAFDAC)

NAFDACMavlon Aniseptic Liquid## (check dosage form) A4-100619

Other countries: check your pack's registration number and we point you to your regulator.

Safety alerts and recalls

Revitaderm Wound Care Gel, Benzalkonium Chloride 0.1%, packaged in 1.0 FL OZ (37 mL) bottle, shorter twist cap, Manufactured By: Blaine Labs, Inc. 11037 Lockport Place Santa Fe SprU.S. FDA Class I
8 Apr 2026 · Blaine Labs Inc · OngoingMicrobial contamination of Non-Sterile Product: samples identified the presence of Lysinibacillus fusiformis and other Bacillus spp
Revitaderm Wound Care, First Aid Antiseptic Gel, Benzalkonium Chloride 0.1%) packaged as (a) 1.0 Fl OZ (16 mL) bottle, long pointy cap, NDC 63347-120-02; (b) 3.0 Fl OZ (85 g) tube,U.S. FDA Class II
8 Apr 2026 · Blaine Labs Inc · OngoingCGMP Deviations; product manufactured in the same facility under the same conditions as the product found to be contaminated
TRIFLUENT PHARMA TRIDERGEL Wound Care Gel, (Benzalkonium Chloride 0.1%), 1.0 fl oz, (29.6 mL) bottle with long pointy cap, Manufactured for: Trifluent Pharma, LLC. San Antonio, TX U.S. FDA Class II
8 Apr 2026 · Blaine Labs Inc · OngoingCGMP Deviations: product manufactured in the same facility under the same conditions as the product found to be contaminated
Lidocaine Wound Gel (Benzalkonium Chloride, 0.13% and Lidocaine Hydrochloride, 2%), NET WT 0.5 OZ (14 g), Distributed by: CVS PHarmacy, INc., One CVS Drive, Woonsocket, RI 02895. NU.S. FDA Class III
7 Apr 2026 · Water-Jel Technologies, LLC · OngoingFailed PH Specifications

A recall usually affects certain batches only. Compare the lot number on your pack.

Check your pack of Benzalkonium chloride

Type the registration number on the pack, or scan it with your camera.

Or take photos of the pack
3 free checks left today Official sources: U.S. FDA · EMA (EU) · Health Canada · WHO alerts

Questions about Benzalkonium chloride

What is Benzalkonium chloride used for?

For handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin (From the official U.S. FDA label.)

How do I take Benzalkonium chloride?

Follow your prescription or the leaflet in your pack. The official label says: wet hands apply palmful to hands scrub thoroughly rinse thoroughly…

Do I need a prescription for Benzalkonium chloride?

In many countries Benzalkonium chloride is sold without a prescription in some strengths. Rules differ by country, so ask a pharmacist.

What brands contain Benzalkonium chloride?

Benzalkonium chloride is sold under names such as Horseman's Dream Fung-a-way, Readybath, Digisan E Foam, Keystone, Zephiran, Safeguard Antibacterial Foaming, Pheneen, Releev Cold Sore. Brand names differ between countries.

What are the side effects of Benzalkonium chloride?

The official label lists: irritation and redness develop condition persists for more than 72 hours Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

How can I check that my Benzalkonium chloride is genuine?

Scan the registration number on your pack with PillVera (NAFDAC number in Nigeria, NDC in the United States, DIN in Canada), check the expiry date and buy only from licensed pharmacies.

Sources

This page shows what official sources say, in plain words. It is not medical advice: your prescription and your doctor or pharmacist come first. Brand names, strengths and rules differ between countries.