Antimicrobial and toxicological studies on an antiseptic based on hexachlorophene and destructive distillate of castor oil.

Bactericidal, bacteriostatic, fungistatic and toxicological evaluaton of an emulsion containing 0.25% hexachlorophene (W/V), 9.5% terpineol (V/V), 1.5% oil of terpentine (V/V), 13% ethanol (V/V), 6% castor oil distillate 1201275 degrees C (V/V) and 6% sodium salt of the residue (W/V) in aqueous medium was performed. The bactericidal concentration for Salmonella typhi was found to be 1:400 which increased to 1:350 in the presence of 5% horse serum. The bacteriostatic concentration of the emulsion varied from organism to organism. A 4% solution of the emulsione was found to be most effective against Microsporum vanbreuseghemii showing an inhibition zone of 7.2 cm and was least effective on Aspergillus niger. 1 to 8% solution of the emulsion given orally or instilled into conjunctival sacs of albino mice indicated lethal and insignificant toxic manifestations respectively but a dose equivalent to 50 mg/Kg given subcutaneously was found to produce a subacute lethal effect in guinea pigs.