Wikis > Pharmacology > Topical Medicaments > Antiseptics and disinfectants > Alcohols > Ethyl alcohol (ethanol)
Ethyl alcohol (ethanol):
• active against most common pathogenic bacteria
• inactive against spores
• most effective at concentration of 70%
• can increase effect of other antiseptics
• precipitates bacterial proteins and dissolves bacterial membranes
• not good disinfectant (not active against spores)
• contraindicated on open wounds
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