FDA publishes final rule to ensure safe hand sanitizers



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The FDA has excluded 28 active ingredients found in hand sanitizers for evaluation as part of its review of over-the-counter medications. However, the agency still reserves judgment on three other ingredients, including ethyl alcohol, until its badysis is complete. ( pixabay )

The Food and Drug Administration has stated that certain active ingredients should not be used in the production of over-the-counter hand sanitizers.

The agency said on Thursday that 28 active ingredients found in most rust antiseptics could not benefit from the list of over-the-counter medications. These include benzethonium chloride and triclosan, both of which are used to prevent bacterial infections.

The FDA also pointed to the need for additional information on other ingredients, such as ethyl alcohol, so that consumers can regularly use hand sanitizers.

"Our action today is aimed at giving consumers confidence that the over – the – counter hand sanitizers they use are safe and effective when they are not used. do not have access to water for soap washing, "said Dr. Janet Woodbad, Director. the FDA's Drug Evaluation and Research Center.

Use hand sanitizers

To help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends regular washing of hands with running water and soap. Even this simple gesture can reduce the risk of person-to-person transmission of diarrheal and respiratory diseases.

In case there was no access to soap and water, the CDC stated that people could use hand sanitizers instead of washing their hands. Products containing at least 60% alcohol can kill most known microbes in certain situations.

The recent popularity of hand sanitizers among consumers has led the FDA to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of these products. In 2016, the agency asked for additional scientific data to support the statement that antiseptic rubs can reduce bacteria on human skin.

The FDA has already ruled out 28 active ingredients contained in most hand sanitizers. However, it still reserves its judgment on three additional ingredients while continuing to review studies and additional data on their use. These are ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and benzalkonium chloride.

Active ingredients in antiseptics

Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) is a common ingredient used in cosmetics and cosmetics. The substance is often used as an astringent to help clean the skin, as well as as a preservative in lotions to prevent the separation of their ingredients. Its antimicrobial properties also make it an ideal choice for killing viruses, bacteria and fungi.

Isopropyl alcohol is also an antiseptic ingredient in hand sanitizers. It is used as an astringent in most skin toners and firming formulas.

Benzalkonium chloride is added to antiseptics not only to kill germs during application, but also to prevent their future growth. It can also be found in anti-bacterial hand wipes and anti-itch ointments.

The FDA has announced that it will issue its decision on ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and benzalkonium chloride once the badysis of the three active ingredients has been completed. It does not provide hand sanitizer-based ingredients extracted from the markets at the moment.

The final decision of the agency should affect less than 3% of the market, since most over-the-counter hand sanitizers contain ethyl alcohol as one of its active ingredients.

Products containing non-eligible active ingredients will have to be approved by the FDA as part of a new drug application before they can be made available again.

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