Benzalkonium Chloride

Benzalkonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium antiseptic and disinfectant with actions and uses similar to those of other cationic surfactants. It is also used as an antimicrobial preservative for pharmaceutical products. For most multi-dose aqueous nasal, ophthalmic and OTC products, Benzalkonium Chloride is the preservative of choice.
It has been used in eye drops as a preservative since the 1950s and it is still the most common preservative used in ophthalmic solutions at a concentration of 0.01 – 0.02%. It is an effective bactericidal and fungicidal agent that helps to minimize the growth of organisms in multi-dose containers.