Contact sensitivity to topical antimicrobials. (II). Sensitizing potentials of some topical antimicrobials.
A predictive study comparing the sensitizing potentials of some topical antimicrobials, using a modified Beuhler's technique, showed that over-the-counter (OTC) antimicrobials were more sensitizing than prescribed topical antibiotics. Among OTC antimicrobials, proflavine was the most potent sensitizer (4/10 guinea pigs); parachlorometaxylenol, benzalkonium chloride and propamidine isethionate moderate sensitizers (2/10 guinea pigs); iodine a weak sensitizer (1/10 guinea pigs); and chlorhexidine and cetrimide very weak sensitizers (0/10 guinea pigs). Among prescribed topical antibiotics, neomycin was a moderate sensitizer (2/10 guinea pigs); gentamycin and chloramphenicol weak sensitizers (1/10 guinea pigs); kanamycin, clioquinol, polymyxin B, bacitracin, tetracycline, sodium fusidate and fusidic acid very weak sensitizers (0/10 guinea pigs). There was good correlation between sensitizing potentials in animal studies and clinical experience of contact allergy to these topical antimicrobials.
Goh
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CL
Contact & Occupational Dermatoses Clinic, National Skin Centre, Singapore.
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000276:immunology*; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000276:immunology*; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000276:immunology; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000276:immunology; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D011370:Proflavine / Q000276:immunology; D014992:Xylenes / Q000276:immunology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; D014992:Xylenes; C007027:chloroxylenol; D011370:Proflavine; D002710:Chlorhexidine