According to the results of numerous studies, it became clear that polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride has fungicidal and bactericidal properties, the substance is active against gram-positive and gram-negative microbes, viruses and fungi. Also, the substance has an anticorrosive, washing, flocculating effect, is effective against biological films. That is why it is widely used in medicine.
Characterization and description of the drug
Polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride is a cationic polyelectrolyte with a large number of useful properties. This allows it to be used in many areas of the national economy, as well as in medicine. This substance is abbreviated as PHMG GC.
The substance is presented in the form of a white powder, which dissolves well in water, or a ready-made aqueous solution of 20%.
Where applicable
It is used in such areas:
- As a component for the manufacture of disinfectants, antimicrobial agents, bactericides.
- As a basis for the manufacture of molds. One of the commonly used drugs with this active substance is Biopag-D.
- Application in medicine and veterinary medicine, as well as food industry for disinfection.
- Water disinfection in water supply systems.
- Processing of inventory, premises, containers, furniture, tools.
- As an additive in the manufacture of paints, polymers, concrete.
Famous trade names for this substance include the following:
- Disinfectant substance "Biopag".
- Means "Ambulance" to eliminate mold and fungi.
- Antimicrobial drug of the same name.
- "Metacid", which was used during the Soviet era, today almost never occurs.
A disinfectant such as Biopag-D is also often widely known.
Sanitizer action
The action of polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride is due to the destructive effect on the cell membranes of microbes. The drug easily penetrates through this layer, binds to molecules, forms gaps, and removes about 40% of potassium from cells. As a result, the cells are damaged. At a high concentration (2 mg / l), the substance leads to the death of the pulmonary cells of living organisms. Therefore, it is forbidden to breathe vapors.
From 2006 to 2011, polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride was used in air humidifiers in South Korea, as a result of which a large number of people became ill and died there. After its ban, cases of morbidity and mortality ceased.
PHMG GC is a broad-spectrum biocide. It has a deodorizing effect, the surfaces treated by it for a long time retain bactericidal properties (from 3 days to 8 months). Thus, its action is prolonged.
Physicochemical properties
The substance is odorless, it is fire and explosion proof. Polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride is completely soluble in water and alcohol. It retains all its properties at sub-zero temperatures. At a temperature of more than 120 degrees, it does not decompose, and the aqueous solution does not lose its qualities.
The shelf life of the product in the form of a ready-made solution is five years, in the form of a powder - seven years. The solution prepared from the powder is stored for no more than two months.
Disinfectant Biopag-D
This drug has a prolonged effect. With a single surface treatment with a solution, the antimicrobial effect lasts up to eight months. This antimicrobial drug is usually used to eliminate mold and mildew. This tool can be produced in several forms:
- A powder containing not less than 95% of the main active ingredient. It is packaged in hermetically sealed packages of 5 or 10 kilograms.
- An aqueous solution of 20% PHMG GC, presented as a colorless or yellowish liquid. The solution is packaged in a polymer container with a capacity of 0.3 to 20 liters.
You can buy the drug at the Institute of Ecological and Technological Problems, which produces it.
Safety precautions
It is necessary to carry out processing of surfaces, tools, containers and other things in rubber gloves and eye protection glasses. It is also important to use respiratory protection, such as respirators. People with a high susceptibility to chemicals and allergies are forbidden to work with the drug. During work, do not smoke, drink or eat.
The disinfectant should be stored away from food and medicine.
You can work with the drug only to those who have been trained and instructed in safety measures and first aid in case of poisoning. You must have a first-aid kit on hand for emergency care if necessary.
Disinfection
Before surface treatment, they must be thoroughly cleaned and degreased, since otherwise the activity of the active component is reduced. For disinfection, a 0.2% solution is used, which is preliminarily held for 120 minutes.
It is necessary to strictly observe safety measures and instructions for using the drug. It can not be allowed to get on the skin and organs of vision. In case of poisoning with a disinfectant, the victim must immediately provide first aid.
First aid for poisoning
If polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride gets on the skin, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse it with plenty of clean water, and then grease with cream. If the product enters the organs of vision, you must quickly rinse them under running water for fifteen minutes. If hyperemia occurs, the eyes are instilled with a solution of sodium sulfacyl 20%, then it is recommended to consult a doctor.
If the drug gets inside, you need to drink two glasses of water with tablets of activated carbon in an amount of 10 to 20 pieces, having previously ground them into powder. Do not induce vomiting. Then you need to contact the clinic.
If during the irrigation, the vapors got into the respiratory system, there was perspiration, sore throat and cough, it is necessary to remove the victim to fresh air, rinse his mouth and nasopharynx with clean water, consult a doctor.