Triclosan

Absorption

A study conducted in 2000 demonstrated that low amounts of triclosan can be absorbed through skin and can enter the bloodstream. [PMID: 10722890] Triclosan is rapidly absorbed and distributed in the human body (Sandborgh-Englund et al., 2006). Maximum concentrations are reached within three hours after oral intake. However, the metabolism and excretion of the compound is fast.

Toxicity

Oral LD50, Rat: 3700 mg/kg; Dermal LD50, Rabbit: 9300 mg/kg

Description

Triclosan is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent that inhibits bacterial fatty acid synthesis. It is effective against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as against Mycobacteria. Triclosan is used in a variety of products, including antiseptic soaps, deodorants, and hand washes.

The Uses of Triclosan

triclosan is a preservative considered to have a low sensitizing potential in leave-on preparations.

What are the applications of Application

Triclosan is an inhibitor of fatty acid synthase

Background

Triclosan is an aromatic ether that is phenol, which is substituted at C-5 by a chloro group and at C-2 by a 2,4-dichlorophenoxy group. It is used in various common household products, including soaps, mouthwashes, dish detergents, toothpaste, deodorants, and hand sanitizers. It is also used for surgical scrubs and personnel hand washes in healthcare settings.

definition

Triclosan [5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol] is an antibacterial and antifungal agent used since the early 1970s. It was first described by E. Model and J. Bindler in 1964. It is used in consumer products ranging from toothpaste to deodorants to toys. The safety and effectiveness of triclosan recently have come under scrutiny, and the US Environmental Protection Agency and Food and Drug Administration have initiated efforts to reexamine its health risks.

Health Hazard

The antibacterial compound Triclosan has been linked to numerous human health problems. Exposures come mainly by absorption through the skin or through the lining of the mouth. These exposures have resulted in contact dermatitis, or skin irritation, and an increase in allergic reactions, especially in children. Triclosan has also been detected in human milk samples and urine at high concentrations, which correlates with the use pattern of this compound. Recent studies have also found that Triclosan interferes with the body’s thyroid hormone metabolism and may be a potential endocrine disruptor. Children exposed to antibacterial compounds at an early age also have an increased chance of developing allergies, asthma, and eczema.

Metabolism

Triclosan is prone to phase II metabolism via sulfotransferase and glucuronosyltransferase enzymes (Wang et al., 2004). In humans the resulting conjugates are excreted primarily in urine (Sandborgh-Englund et al., 2006).