Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride: pharmacokinetics, toxicology and applications

General Description

Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound widely used for its antimicrobial properties. When orally administered to rats, it is poorly absorbed and eliminated mainly through feces within three days. Dermal absorption rates vary between rat and human studies. Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride distributes in organs like the liver, kidney, and intestines after oral administration. Metabolism occurs through oxidation in the decyl side-chains. Excretion is primarily via feces, with minimal amounts detected in urine. Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride displays low bioaccumulation potential due to its low oral bioavailability and rapid excretion. Toxicological studies show low systemic toxicity but irritation/corrosion effects at high concentrations. It finds applications in consumer disinfectants, industrial water treatment, and agricultural disinfection. Its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity makes it useful in various settings.

Figure 1. Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride

Pharmacokinetics

When administered orally to rats, didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride is poorly absorbed and primarily eliminated in feces within three days. Dermal absorption rates are uncertain, with conflicting results reported between rat and human skin studies. Distribution of didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride following oral administration shows detection in various organs such as the liver, kidney, and intestines. Metabolism occurs mainly through oxidation in the decyl side-chains, potentially mediated by intestinal microbes. Excretion predominantly occurs through feces, with minimal amounts detected in urine. Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride displays low potential for bioaccumulation based on its low oral bioavailability, rapid excretion, and recovery of administered dose. However, further research is needed to obtain comprehensive knowledge of didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride's ADME behavior, particularly regarding dermal absorption, metabolism via dermal route, and dermal route bioaccumulation potential. ¹

Toxicology

Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride has been extensively studied for its toxicological properties. Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride is poorly absorbed by the body when ingested orally or applied dermally, with absorption rates below 10%. It does not distribute within the body systemically and is primarily eliminated through feces. Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride is not found to be a dermal sensitizer, nor does it exhibit specific developmental or reproductive toxicity. It is not considered carcinogenic or genotoxic, and it does not cause systemic toxicity. However, at high concentrations, didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride can irritate or corrode the skin. It also demonstrates acute toxicity when ingested orally or via dermal exposure (for C12-C16 ADBAC only), as well as through inhalation. Nevertheless, didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride is non-volatile and not easily aerosolized. Repeated dose oral toxicity studies have shown that didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride can cause toxicity at various no-observed-adverse-effect levels, ranging from 10 to 93.1 mg/kg-day. These studies were conducted on beagles, mice, and rats in subchronic and chronic settings. The reported toxicological effects at these levels consistently involve reduced food consumption, decreased body weight, diminished body weight gain, and local irritation. These effects align with the mode of action of an irritating/corrosive chemical. ²

Applications

Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride is commonly used as an active ingredient in antimicrobial products for its effectiveness against microorganisms. In the consumer sector, didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride is employed in disinfectants, sanitizers, and household cleaning agents. It is utilized to control microbial growth on surfaces, such as countertops, floors, and bathroom fixtures. Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride's antimicrobial properties make it a valuable component in products that aim to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. In the industrial field, didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride is incorporated into water treatment formulations to inhibit the growth of bacteria and algae. It helps maintain the cleanliness and efficiency of cooling towers, boilers, and other water systems. Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride can effectively control microbial contamination, ensuring smooth operation and preventing issues caused by biological fouling. Additionally, didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride is used in the agricultural sector as a disinfectant and sanitizer. It aids in controlling fungal and bacterial diseases in crops, as well as disinfecting equipment and animal housing facilities. Due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride has become a popular choice in various applications where the control and prevention of microbial growth are essential. ³

Reference

1. Luz, Anthony, et al. Human health hazard assessment of quaternary ammonium compounds: Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and alkyl (C12–C16) dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 2020, 116:104717.

2. Luz A, DeLeo P, Pechacek N, Freemantle M. Human health hazard assessment of quaternary ammonium compounds: Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and alkyl (C12-C16) dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol, 2020, 116:104717.

3. Dehn F, Mutters NT, Eichel VM, et al. Effect of didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride-impregnated washcloth wipe whole-body bathing on catheter-related blood stream infections and central venous line-associated infections in adult intensive care units. Clin Microbiol Infect, 2022, 28(4):564-569.

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