Dequalinium chloride

Dequalinium chloride (CAS 522-51-0), also known as Dequalinium Dichloride, Dekamin, and Decamine, is a quaternary ammonium compound used as an antimicrobial and antiseptic active. It acts against a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi, making it a functional biocide in topical and mucosal applications for pharmaceutical and personal care formulations.

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, this compound is the active ingredient in lozenges, throat sprays, and buccal tablets targeting oral and throat infections for patients. Vaginal tablets and pessaries represent a significant dosage form, where it functions as the primary antifungal and antibacterial agent for local gynecological treatment.

Personal care formulators incorporate it into antiseptic mouthwashes and medicated skincare products where preservative and antimicrobial efficacy is required for the product. It also appears in medicated wound dressings and topical preparations where surface disinfection of skin or mucous membranes is the target outcome for the user.

Dequalinium chloride is supplied as a white to off-white crystalline powder. Pharmaceutical-grade material conforming to Ph. Eur. specifications is the standard commercial form. Technical-grade material is available for non-pharmaceutical antiseptic and preservative applications in personal care and other industrial disinfection processes.