What is "cetrimide"

n. A topical antiseptic containing cetrimonium bromide.

n. a cationic detergent that is a powerful disinfectant

Cetrimide is an antiseptic which is a mixture of different quaternary ammonium salts including Cetrimonium bromide (CTAB). It was first discovered and developed by ICI and introduced under the brand name Cetavlon. It is used as a 1-3 % solution for cleaning road side accident wounds. Another antiseptic Chlorhexidine was also discovered and first developed by ICI. ICI also introduced Savlon which was a combination of Cetrimide and Chlorhexidine. ICI later sold the Savlon brand OTC to Johnson & Johnson in May 1992.