Cetylpyridinium chloride

What is cetylpyridinium chloride?

CPC is a quaternary ammonium compound that belongs to the cationic surfactants. This means that it has a positive charge and attaches itself to negatively charged surfaces. CPC has an antiseptic effect, i.e. it can kill bacteria, fungi and viruses or inhibit their growth.

CPC has been used as a disinfectant since the 1930s and is now contained in many oral and dental care products, such as lozenges, mouth rinses, mouth sprays and toothpaste. CPC is primarily intended to protect against dental plaque, gingivitis, bad breath and infections in the mouth and throat.

How does cetylpyridinium chloride work?

CPC works by breaking down the cell membranes of microorganisms and thus disrupting their metabolism. CPC can kill both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, although it is more effective against gram-positive bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria are, for example, streptococci or staphylococci, which often cause inflammation in the mouth and throat. CPC can also inactivate fungi such as Candida albicans or viruses such as herpes simplex or SARS-CoV-2.

CPC is particularly effective on the surface of the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, as it adheres well there and is not easily washed out. However, CPC can also be partially absorbed into the bloodstream and have systemic effects. The absorption of CPC depends on the concentration, the form of application and the duration of use.

What are the benefits of cetylpyridinium chloride?

CPC has several advantages as an ingredient in oral and dental care products:

• CPC has a broad spectrum of activity against various microorganisms responsible for infections and inflammation in the mouth and throat.
• CPC can reduce the formation of dental plaque by preventing bacteria from adhering to the teeth.
• CPC can prevent or alleviate the development of gingivitis by inhibiting the tissue's inflammatory response.
• CPC can improve bad breath by neutralizing the volatile sulfur compounds produced by bacteria in the mouth.
• CPC can alleviate the symptoms of sore throat and difficulty swallowing by reducing the sensitivity of the mucous membrane to pain.
• CPC can reduce the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 by inactivating the virus and reducing the viral load in saliva.

What are the disadvantages of cetylpyridinium chloride?

CPC also has some disadvantages as an ingredient in oral and dental care products:

• CPC can cause side effects such as irritation, dryness or burning of the mucous membrane in the mouth and throat.
• CPC can trigger allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itching or swelling, especially in people who are sensitive to cationic surfactants.
• CPC can disrupt the natural oral flora by also killing beneficial bacteria that are important for oral health.
• CPC can change the color of teeth by causing brown stains on the teeth that are difficult to remove.
• CPC may affect the action of other medicines by altering their absorption or metabolism.

How safe is cetylpyridinium chloride for dogs?

CPC is not suitable for dogs as it can be toxic to them. Dogs can accidentally ingest CPC when using or licking human oral and dental care products. Ingestion of CPC can lead to symptoms of poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, respiratory distress or coma in dogs. The lethal dose of CPC for dogs is around 200 mg per kilogram of body weight.

There are special oral and dental care products for dogs that contain other active ingredients that are safer for them. For example, enzymes, zinc or chlorhexidine can help against dental plaque and gingivitis in dogs. However, these products should only be used after consulting a vet.