Savlon contains –
Chlorhexidine is a broad-spectrum antiseptic with good activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Cetrimide is a quaternary ammonium compound, which is a cationic surfactant. When combined, they provide a synergistic effect, enhancing the antiseptic properties. So the correct answer should be an option that lists both chlorhexidine and cetrimide.
Now, the options are A, B, C, D, but they're not provided here. The user probably forgot to include them. But since the correct answer is Savlon containing both, the options likely include these two. The incorrect options might list other antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide, povidone-iodine, or maybe just one of the components. For example, an option with only chlorhexidine would be wrong because Savlon is a combination. Similarly, if an option includes something like benzalkonium chloride instead of cetrimide, that's incorrect. Another possible wrong option could be a disinfectant like phenol, which isn't part of Savlon.
The clinical pearl here is that Savlon is a combination antiseptic, so students should remember that it's not just one component. Also, knowing the different antiseptics and their combinations is crucial for exams. The key point is that Savlon's efficacy comes from the combination of chlorhexidine and cetrimide, which together have broader antimicrobial activity than either alone.
**Core Concept**
Savlon is a combined antiseptic solution containing **chlorhexidine** and **cetrimide**, which synergistically enhance broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Chlorhexidine is a biguanide with prolonged residual activity, while cetrimide is a quaternary ammonium compound that disrupts cell membranes.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Savlon combines **chlorhexidine (2%)** and **cetrimide (4%)** to create a synergistic effect. Chlorhexidine provides broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and some viruses. Cetrimide, a cationic surfactant, enhances this by disrupting microbial cell membranes. This combination is used for surgical hand scrubbing, wound cleaning, and skin antisepsis due to its rapid onset and sustained action.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Incorrect if it lists hydrogen peroxide—Savlon does not contain this oxidizing agent.
**Option B:** Incorrect if it lists povidone-iodine—Savlon is a chlorhexidine/cetrimide combination, not an iodophor.
**Option C:** Incorrect if it lists chlorhexidine alone—Savlon requires cetrimide for synergistic efficacy.
**Option D:** Incorrect if it lists cetrimide alone—Savlon’s formula includes chlorhexidine for broader activity.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Never confuse