The mechanism of action of chlorhexidine.

Article Details

Citation
Copy to clipboard

Kuyyakanond T, Quesnel LB

The mechanism of action of chlorhexidine.

FEMS Microbiol Lett. 1992 Dec 15;100(1-3):211-5.

PubMed ID
1335944 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

Chlorhexidine did not inhibit ATPase in intact cells of Escherichia coli K12 W1317i-, even at bactericidal concentrations, and ATP hydrolysis was greatest at the highest concentration (40 mg/l), even though no net uptake of substrate occurred. Like dinitrophenol and tribrominated salicylanilide, polymyxin and chlorhexidine collapsed the membrane potential at inhibitory concentrations. Membrane disruption, and not ATPase inactivation, is considered the lethal event in chlorhexidine action.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drugs
Drug Targets
DrugTargetKindOrganismPharmacological ActionActions
ChlorhexidineBacterial outer membraneGroupBacteria
Yes
Incorporation into and destabilization
Details