Mechanism of action of chlorhexidine diacetate and phenoxyethanol singly and in combination against gram-negative bacteria.

Chlorhexidine diacetate and the aromatic alcohol, phenoxyethanol in combination had an enhanced bacteriostatic action against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Investigations of potassium (K+) ion leakage by means of a potassium electrode and a radioactive method, employing 86Rb, indicated that the combination accelerated the rate of leakage from the cell. Leakage of pentose was also found to be enhanced in the presence of the combination compared with either drug alone.