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

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.

Reduce drug development failure rates

Build, train, & validate machine-learning models
with evidence-based and structured datasets.

See how

Build, train, & validate predictive machine-learning models with structured datasets.

See how

Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings

Avoid life-threatening adverse drug events

Improve clinical decision support with information on contraindications & blackbox warnings, population restrictions, harmful risks, & more.

Learn more

Avoid life-threatening adverse drug events & improve clinical decision support.

Learn more

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

Improve decision support & research outcomes

With structured adverse effects data, including: blackbox warnings, adverse reactions, warning & precautions, & incidence rates.

Learn more

Improve decision support & research outcomes with our structured adverse effects data.

Learn more

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

Drug product information from 10+ global regions

Our datasets provide approved product information including:
dosage, form, labeller, route of administration, and marketing period.

Access now

Access drug product information from over 10 global regions.

Access now

Product Ingredients

Ingredient	UNII	CAS	InChI Key
N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14)	G258TFN61X	Not Available	Not applicable

Over the Counter Products

Name	Dosage	Strength	Route	Labeller	Marketing Start	Marketing End	Region	Image
Disinfecting Wipes	Cloth	0.184 1/1001	Topical	Fuan HnH Bio Tech Co., Ltd.	2020-03-30	Not applicable

Mixture Products

Name	Ingredients	Dosage	Route	Labeller	Marketing Start	Marketing End	Region	Image
All Star Antiseptic Hand Soap E-2	N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1.25 %) + Benzalkonium chloride (1.25 %)	Liquid	Topical	Abc Compounding Co. Inc.	1995-12-31	2000-03-29
Disinfecting Wipes	N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/801) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/801)	Cloth	Topical	NANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.	2020-10-19	Not applicable
Disinfecting Wipes	N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/801) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/801)	Cloth	Topical	NANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.	2020-10-19	Not applicable
Disinfecting Wipes	N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/501) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/501)	Cloth	Topical	NANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.	2020-10-19	Not applicable
Disinfecting Wipes	N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/501) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/501)	Cloth	Topical	NANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.	2020-10-19	Not applicable
Disinfecting Wipes	N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/501) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/501)	Cloth	Topical	NANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.	2020-10-19	Not applicable
Disinfecting Wipes	N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/801) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/801)	Cloth	Topical	NANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.	2020-09-04	Not applicable
Disinfecting Wipes	N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/501) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/501)	Cloth	Topical	NANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.	2020-10-19	Not applicable
Disinfecting Wipes	N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/801) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/801)	Cloth	Topical	NANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.	2020-10-19	Not applicable
Disinfecting Wipes	N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/501) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/501)	Cloth	Topical	NANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.	2020-10-19	Not applicable

Unapproved/Other Products

Name	Ingredients	Dosage	Route	Labeller	Marketing Start	Marketing End	Region	Image
Disinfecting Wipes	N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/801) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/801)	Cloth	Topical	NANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.	2020-10-19	Not applicable
Disinfecting Wipes	N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/501) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/501)	Cloth	Topical	NANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.	2020-10-19	Not applicable
Disinfecting Wipes	N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/501) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/501)	Cloth	Topical	NANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.	2020-10-19	Not applicable
Disinfecting Wipes	N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/501) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/501)	Cloth	Topical	NANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.	2020-10-19	Not applicable
Disinfecting Wipes	N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/501) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/501)	Cloth	Topical	NANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.	2020-10-19	Not applicable
Disinfecting Wipes	N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/801) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/801)	Cloth	Topical	NANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.	2020-09-04	Not applicable
Disinfecting Wipes	N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/801) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/801)	Cloth	Topical	NANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.	2020-10-19	Not applicable
Disinfecting Wipes	N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/501) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/501)	Cloth	Topical	NANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.	2020-10-19	Not applicable
Disinfecting Wipes	N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/801) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/801)	Cloth	Topical	NANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.	2020-10-19	Not applicable
Disinfecting Wipes	N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C12-C14) (1 g/801) + N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18) (1 g/801)	Cloth	Topical	NANOFIXIT VENTURES INC.	2020-10-19	Not applicable

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]

External Links

PubChem Substance

347911154

RxNav

1422066

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials

Phase	Status	Purpose	Conditions	Count

Pharmacoeconomics

Manufacturers

Not Available

Packagers

Not Available

Dosage Forms

Form	Route	Strength
Cloth	Topical	0.184 1/1001
Cloth	Extracorporeal
Soap	Topical
Liquid	Topical
Lotion	Topical
Concentrate	Topical
Aerosol	Topical
Spray	Topical
Cloth	Topical

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

×

Identify potential medication risks

Easily compare up to 40 drugs with our drug interaction checker.

Get severity rating, description, and management advice.

Learn more

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