Pilocarpine Eye Drop 0.4%

Who is this for?

This is an antiseptic liquid that combines two germ-killing ingredients — benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine gluconate — which work together to destroy bacteria, fungi, and some viruses on the skin and surfaces.

Disrupts bacterial and fungal cell membranes by binding to negatively charged phospholipid bilayers, causing leakage of intracellular contents and cell death; additionally denatures microbial proteins through interaction with cellular enzymes and nucleic acids.

Is Benzalkonium safe to take with another drug?

This is not a drug you swallow — it is applied on the skin or used as a wash. Dilute the liquid as directed on the label (usually a capful in a bowl of clean water) and use it to clean wounds, wash hands, or disinfect skin. You can also apply it directly to small cuts using clean cotton wool. Mavlon Antiseptic Liquid is a popular brand in Nigeria.

Since this is used as needed for cleaning wounds or disinfecting skin, there is no fixed dosing schedule to miss. Simply use it whenever you need to clean a wound or disinfect.

• Mild skin irritation or dryness at the area you applied it
• slight stinging sensation on open wounds
• skin redness in people with sensitive skin

Do not mix with soap as soap can reduce its germ-killing power — rinse off soap first before applying. Avoid using it together with other antiseptic products like iodine (such as Betadine) on the same wound at the same time as they may interfere with each other.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot so avoid leaving it in cars or near windows. Keep the cap tightly closed after use. Keep far away from children as swallowing it can be very dangerous.