NAV

N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium (C12-C14)

Identification

Generic Name
N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium (C12-C14)
DrugBank Accession Number
DB11202
Background

N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium (c12-c14) is a quaternary ammonium compound with surfactant properties. It is found in sanitizing solutions or soaps as an active ingredient due to its antimicrobial properties.

Employed in a great variety of cleaning agents and sanitizing agents, it possesses relatively broad gram-positive and gram-negative antibacterial activities and relatively little chance for systemic absorption and exposure, although the formal mechanism of action of quaternary ammonium compounds like n-alkyl C12-C14 dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride is difficult to elucidate.

Type
Small Molecule
Groups
Approved
Synonyms
  • N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium (C12-C14) cation
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Pharmacology

Indication

N-alkyl C12-C14 dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride is added to products to function as a cleaning agent, or as antimicrobial agents in disinfecting cleaning products 4.

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Pharmacodynamics

N-alkyl C12-C14 dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound that demonstrates antimicrobial activity 1,5,4,6,7. In particular, a high degree of microbiocidal activity in hard water is obtained with a blend of two quaternary ammonium chlorides or bromides where the quaternary ammonium cation of each quaternary component is alkyl dimethyl ethylbenzyl and wherein the the alkyl group in once case is C12 and in the other case is C14, with these compounds being present only within the range of 85/15 to 55/45 of the C12 compound relative to the C14 compound 6.

Quaternary ammonium compounds like n-alkyl C12-C14 dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride have subsequently shown antimicrobial activity against both gram positive and negative bacteria 1 as well as a certain extent of antifungal activity 2 and certain actions against particular virus types 3.

As a component of cleaning agents and disinfectants, topical exposure is largely the most common form of n-alkyl C12-C14 dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride exposure to humans. Regardless, when the agent is in contact with human skin, percutaneous absorption through intact skin is believed to be minimal, and so systemic effects from topical exposure is expected to be rare 5.

Mechanism of action

Quaternary ammonium compounds like n-alkyl C12-C14 dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride irreversibly bind to the phospholipids and proteins of microbial cell membranes, thereby impairing membrane permeability 1. Consequently, the antibacterial actions of n-alkyl C12-C14 dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride generally stem from the capacity of bacterial cells to absorb the compound, causing the disruption or dissociation of cellular membrane lipid bilayers of bacteria, resulting in compromised cellular permeability control and the leakage of important cellular contents. In particular, the antimicrobial activity of quaternary ammonium with an alkyl chain is related to lipolhilia and peaks between C12 and C16 for both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains 1. Specifically, in gram-positive bacteria, the agent becomes bound to the wall proteins and is, therefore, able to enter and destroy the membrane 1. Additionally, in some microbes, n-alkyl C12-C14 dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride can cause a leak in metabolites with low molecular weights, resulting in metabolic injury and modification of permeability for the microbe 1.

It is for these aforementioned mechanisms of action that n-alkyl C12-C14 dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride is capable of eliciting antimicrobial activity when used as a disinfectant 7. However, when used as an agent for routine cleaning where surface contamination with pathogenic bacteria and viruses does not necessarily present a hazard, the use of n-alkyl C12-C14 dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride and its antimicrobial actions may not be entirely necessary or recommended, considering quaternary ammonium compounds like n-alkyl C12-C14 dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride can persist on cleaned surfaces and contribute to prolonged topical exposure to individuals 7.

Absorption

Quaternary ammonium compounds are poorly absorbed by the oral route of administration 5. At the same time, systemic effects from percutaneous absorption through intact skin is considered rare as well 5. Nevertheless, although potentially minimal, systemic absorption is possible 5.

Volume of distribution

Readily accessible data regarding the volume of distribution of n-alkyl C12-C14 dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride is not available.

Protein binding

Readily accessible data regarding the protein binding of n-alkyl C12-C14 dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride is not available.

Metabolism

Readily accessible data regarding the metabolism of n-alkyl C12-C14 dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride is not available.

Route of elimination

As quaternary ammonium compounds like n-alkyl C12-C14 dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride is poorly absorbed by the oral route, relatively large amounts of the agent that is absorbed is likely to be eliminated in the faeces 5.

Half-life

Readily accessible data regarding the half-life of n-alkyl C12-C14 dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride is not available.

Clearance

Readily accessible data regarding the clearance of n-alkyl C12-C14 dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride is not available.

Adverse Effects
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Toxicity

An oral dose of 100-400 mg/kg or a parenteral dose of 5-15 mg/kg is believed to be fatal in humans 5. Other studies propose that the fatal dose of quaternary ammonium compounds like n-alkyl C12-C14 dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride is estimated to be between 1-3 grams 5.

Some adverse effects associated with exposure to a quaternary ammonium compound like n-alkyl C12-C14 dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride include the possibility of contact dermatitis, asthma or respiratory symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, or cough) 7. Allergic contact dermatitis is also a possibility 7. Direct eye and mucous membrane exposure resulting from inappropriate usage or administation of n-alkyl C12-C14 dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride preparations can also occur. And as with most pharmaceutical agents, although ingestion and systemic absorption is possible, ingestion of appropriately dilute solutions of n-alkyl C12-C14 dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride is unlikely to be serious 7.

Pathways
Not Available
Pharmacogenomic Effects/ADRs
Not Available

Interactions

Drug Interactions
This information should not be interpreted without the help of a healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing an interaction, contact a healthcare provider immediately. The absence of an interaction does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.
Not Available
Food Interactions
No interactions found.

Products

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Product Ingredients
IngredientUNIICASInChI Key
N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14)G258TFN61XNot AvailableNot applicable
Over the Counter Products
NameDosageStrengthRouteLabellerMarketing StartMarketing EndRegionImage
Disinfecting WipesCloth0.184 1/1001TopicalFuan HnH Bio Tech Co., Ltd.2020-03-30Not applicableUS flag
Mixture Products
NameIngredientsDosageRouteLabellerMarketing StartMarketing EndRegionImage
All Star Antiseptic Hand Soap E-2N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1.25 %) + Benzalkonium chloride (1.25 %)LiquidTopicalAbc Compounding Co. Inc.1995-12-312000-03-29Canada flag
Disinfecting WipesN-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/801) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/801)ClothTopicalNANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.2020-10-19Not applicableUS flag
Disinfecting WipesN-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/501) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/501)ClothTopicalNANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.2020-10-19Not applicableUS flag
Disinfecting WipesN-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/501) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/501)ClothTopicalNANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.2020-10-19Not applicableUS flag
Disinfecting WipesN-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/501) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/501)ClothTopicalNANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.2020-10-19Not applicableUS flag
Unapproved/Other Products
NameIngredientsDosageRouteLabellerMarketing StartMarketing EndRegionImage
Disinfecting WipesN-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/501) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/501)ClothTopicalNANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.2020-10-19Not applicableUS flag
Disinfecting WipesN-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/801) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/801)ClothTopicalNANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.2020-09-04Not applicableUS flag
Disinfecting WipesN-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/501) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/501)ClothTopicalNANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.2020-10-19Not applicableUS flag
Disinfecting WipesN-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/801) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/801)ClothTopicalNANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.2020-10-19Not applicableUS flag
Disinfecting WipesN-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/501) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/501)ClothTopicalNANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.2020-10-19Not applicableUS flag

Categories

Drug Categories
Not Available
Classification
Not classified
Affected organisms
  • Humans and other mammals

Chemical Identifiers

UNII
85440928RV
CAS number
Not Available

References

General References
  1. Maris P: Modes of action of disinfectants. Rev Sci Tech. 1995 Mar;14(1):47-55. [Article]
  2. Gupta AK, Ahmad I, Summerbell RC: Comparative efficacies of commonly used disinfectants and antifungal pharmaceutical spray preparations against dermatophytic fungi. Med Mycol. 2001 Aug;39(4):321-8. [Article]
  3. Sidwell RW, Dixon GJ, McNeil E: Quantitative studies on fabrics as disseminators of viruses. 3. Persistence of vaccinia virus on fabrics impregnated with a virucidal agent. Appl Microbiol. 1967 Jul;15(4):921-7. [Article]
  4. The Clorox Company: Ingredients Inside Clorox Disinfecting Wipes [Link]
  5. IPCS INCHEM: Quaternary ammonium profile [Link]
  6. United States Patent Office: Synergistic Blends of Microbiocidal Quaternary Ammonium Compounds [File]
  7. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds in Cleaning Products: Health & Safety Information for Health Professionals [File]
PubChem Substance
347911154
RxNav
1422066

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials
PhaseStatusPurposeConditionsCount
Not AvailableCompletedNot AvailableEpilepsy / Onchocerciasis1

Pharmacoeconomics

Manufacturers
Not Available
Packagers
Not Available
Dosage Forms
FormRouteStrength
ClothTopical0.184 1/1001
ClothExtracorporeal
SoapTopical
LiquidTopical
LotionTopical
ConcentrateTopical
AerosolTopical
SprayTopical
ClothTopical
Prices
Not Available
Patents
Not Available

Properties

State
Not Available
Experimental Properties
Not Available
Predicted Properties
Not Available
Predicted ADMET Features
Not Available

Spectra

Mass Spec (NIST)
Not Available
Spectra
Not Available
Chromatographic Properties
Collision Cross Sections (CCS)
Not Available

Drug created at December 03, 2015 16:51 / Updated at July 12, 2021 03:34