What is "dequalinium"

n. A quaternary ammonium cation whose chloride salt is used in several medications.

Dequalinium is a quaternary ammonium cation commonly available as the dichloride salt. The bromide, iodide, acetate, and undecenoate salts are known as well. Dequalinium chloride is the active ingredient of several medications:

Dequadin an antiseptic and disinfectant. It is a topical bacteriostat. It is used in wound dressings and mouth infections and may also have antifungal action. It may cause skin ulceration.

Fluomizin, vaginal tablets containing 10 mg dequalinium chloride, are used for treating vaginal bacterial conditions (i.e. Bacterial Vaginosis and aerobic vaginitis).

The dequalinium dication is symmetrical, containing two quaternary quinolinium units linked by an N-decylene chain.