List I | Antimicrobials Names | List II | |
(A) | Narrow spectrum antibiotic | (I) | Furacin |
(B) | Antiseptic | (II) | Sulphur dioxide |
(C) | Disinfectants | (III) | Penicillin |
(D) | Broad spectrum antibiotic | (IV) | Chloramphenicol |
Antiseptics can be defined as antimicrobial agents which can be applied on the body of living organisms to inhibit the action of microbes. They are not injected into the body like the antibiotics, rather they are applied on the surface of the skin to heal the living tissues in case of wounds and cuts.
Dettol is the most commonly used antiseptic. It is a mixture of chloroxylenol and terpineol. Iodoform is also used as an antiseptic for wounds.
Antiseptics are of many types out of which some can be used at homes whilst some are suitably used in clinical and hospital setups. Some of the common types are listed below