Question

Write short notes on Antiseptics and Disinfectants.

Answer 1

Antiseptics:
These drugs are applied to living tissues to kill the bacteria and to stop their growth in wound, thus preventing its infection. Antiseptics do not heal the wound but prevent the wound from getting infected. Dettol ( a mixture of terpineol and chloroxylenol) is an antiseptic. Other antiseptics are tincture iodine, bithional, iodoform, boric acid, phenol (dilute solution) etc.
Disinfectants:
Disinfectants are applied to non-living objects to kill the microorganisms, used in public health sanitation, floors, to streamline instruments, etc. Examples include chlorine, sulphur dioxide, phenol (concentrated solution).