123-03-5

Cetylpyridinium is a quaternary ammonium with broad-spectrum antiseptic activities. It is active against S. mutans, S. sanguis, E. coli, Oxford Staphylococcus, and C. albicans in media (MICs = 1.25-62.5 μg/ml) and against Oxford Staphylococcus in pooled human saliva (MICs = 7.8-15.6 μg/ml). Cetylpyridinium slows plaque formation for at least 21 days compared to a deionized water control in a rat incisor plaque model when applied topically at concentrations ranging from 0.025 to 2%. Formulations containing cetylpyridinium have been used as antiseptic agents in the treatment of gingivitis and as antimicrobial agents in raw food processing.

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) is a white powder or crystals with a characteristic odor. It is slightly soapy to the touch.

Cetylpyridinium chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound and is the active chemical in some human mouthwashes on the market. It has antiseptic properties and is used in solutions or lozenges for the treatment of minor infections of the mouth and throat. The antimicrobial activity is due to an interaction of basic cetylpyridinium ions with acidic molecules on bacteria, which subsequently inhibits bacterial metabolism by forming weak ionic compounds that interfere with bacterial respiration.

ChEBI: A pyridinium salt that has N-hexadecylpyridinium as the cation and chloride as the anion. It has antiseptic properties and is used in solutions or lozenges for the treatment of minor infections of the mouth and throat.

Cetylpyridinium chloride is prepared from cetyl chloride by treatment with pyridine.

Ceepryn (Marion Merrell Dow); Cepacol (Marion Merrell Dow).

Nonflammable

Cetylpyridinium chloride is a quaternary ammonium cationic surfactant, used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations as an antimicrobial preservative. It is used therapeutically as an antiseptic agent; used alone or in combination with other drugs for oral and throat care; used in nonparenteral formulations licensed in the UK; and used in oral and inhalation preparations at concentrations of 0.02–1.5 mg.
Mouthwashes containing cetylpyridinium chloride have been shown to inhibit plaque formation,(1–3) although efficacy is variable owing to limited published data.

1-Hexadecylpyridinium chloride is a white powder that isvery soluble in water and alcohol. In this compound, thequaternary nitrogen atom is a member of an aromatic pyridinering.
The cetyl derivative is the most active of a series ofalkylpyridinium compounds. It is used as a general antisepticin concentrations of 1:100 to 1:1,000 for intact skin,1:1,000 for minor lacerations, and 1:2,000 to 1:10,000 forthe irrigation of mucous membranes. Cetylpyridinium chlorideis also available in the form of throat lozenges and amouthwash at a 1:20,000 dilution.

Cetylpyridinium chloride is used widely in mouthwashes as a bactericidal antiseptic. It is generally regarded as a relatively nontoxic material when used at a concentration of 0.05% w/v, although minor side effects such as mild burning sensations on the tongue have been reported.
At higher concentrations, cetylpyridinium chloride may damage the mucous membranes in the mouth. It is harmful when ingested or inhaled. It can cause eye irritation, and is irritant to the respiratory system and the skin.
LD₅₀ (rat, IP): 0.006 g/kg
LD₅₀ (rat, IV): 0.03 g/kg
LD₅₀ (rat, oral): 0.2 g/kg
LD₅₀ (rat, SC): 0.25 g/kg
LD₅₀ (mouse, IP): 0.01 g/kg
LD₅₀ (mouse, oral): 0.108 g/kg
LD₅₀ (rabbit, oral): 0.4 g/kg
LD₅₀ (rabbit, IV): 0.036 g/kg

Cetylpyridinium chloride is stable under normal conditions. It should be stored in well-closed containers.

Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and bases. It is also incompatible with methylcellulose.
Magnesium stearate suspensions in cetylpyridinium chloride have been shown to significantly reduce its antimicrobial activity. This is due to the absorption of cetylpyridinium chloride on magnesium stearate. The cetylpyridinium chloride ion also interacts with gelatin, resulting in reduced bioavailability.

Included in nonparenteral formulations licensed in the UK. Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database, for use in inhalation and oral preparations. Reported in the EPA TSCA Inventory. It is not approved for use in Japan. Included in the Canadian List of Acceptable Non-medicinal Ingredients.