Page 48 - MNU-PM502- Pharmaeutical Microbiology Theoritical Book

Pharm D- Clinical Pharmacy Program Third Level Pharmaceutical Microbiology& Antimicrobials (PM 502)

- Silver nitrate eye drops

- Zinc as zinc chloride in mouthwashes

- Copper sulfate is swimming pools

8- Aldehydes

• Damage proteins and nucleic acids (alkylation of protein, DNA, and RNA)).

• They are sporicidal and can be used as chemical sterilants, high level disinfectant.

• Examples: 2% glutaraldehyde solution: sterilize heat-sensitive instruments, to

sterilize hospital equipment

37% formaldehyde (formalin) used to disinfect and preserve biological
specimens and medical equipment.

9- Gases (Ethylene oxide)

Denature proteins and affect functional groups of DNA.

• EO treatment is usually conducted at the temperature range
of 30-60°C for several hours (10-12 h) which aids in the
activity of the gas.

• Used almost exclusively to sterilize medical products that

cannot be steam sterilized (plastic instruments such as Petri
dishes, syringes, and artificial heart valve)

• Disadvantages

– Lengthy cycle time – Cost

– Potential hazards to patients & staff (Flammable & explosive)
• Advantage:

- ETO is used in healthcare facilities to sterilize critical items (and sometimes
semicritical items) that are moisture or heat sensitive and cannot be sterilized by
steam sterilization.

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