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hexamidine

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Also known as 4,4'-(Hexamethylenedioxy)dibenzamidine, 4,4'-(1,6-Hexanediylbis(oxy))bis-benzenecarboximidamide

Hexamidine is an antiseptic and a disinfectant. Hexomedine is the trade name of a diisethionate solution (1/1.000) of hexamidine. Hexamidine is used primarily as its diisethionate salt, which is more water-soluble than the dihydrochloride. The dihydrochloride was first synthesized and patented as a trypanocide for May & Baker in 1939. Its amoebicidal properties emerged in the 1990s. The exact mechanism of its biocidal action is unknown, but presumed similar to quaternary ammonium compounds, involving binding to the negatively charged lipid membranes of pathogens. Hexamidine and its shorter con

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Wikidata facts

Mass
354.206
Show 4 more facts
chemical formula
C₂₀H₂₆N₄O₂
canonical SMILES
C1=CC(=CC=C1C(=N)N)OCCCCCCOC2=CC=C(C=C2)C(=N)N
World Health Organisation international non-proprietary name
hexamidine
Commons category
Hexamidine
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Hexamidine is an antiseptic and a disinfectant. Hexomedine is the trade name of a diisethionate solution (1/1.000) of hexamidine. Hexamidine is used primarily as its diisethionate salt, which is more water-soluble than the dihydrochloride. The dihydrochloride was first synthesized and patented as a trypanocide for May & Baker in 1939. Its amoebicidal properties emerged in the 1990s. The exact mechanism of its biocidal action is unknown, but presumed similar to quaternary ammonium compounds, involving binding to the negatively charged lipid membranes of pathogens. Hexamidine and its shorter congener, propamidine, are used as antiseptics and preservatives in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. They are particularly used for the topical treatment of acanthamoebiasis (Acanthamoeba keratitis).

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