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Category: Infection control

Explore our medication guides and pharmacology articles within this category.

What is the brown stuff they put in your nose before surgery?

4 min read
Surgical site infections (SSIs) occur in 1-5% of surgeries, a significant risk for patients. To combat this, healthcare providers often use the brown stuff they put in your nose before surgery, which is an antiseptic called povidone-iodine, as a key preventative measure.

Why is mupirocin used in the nose before surgery?

4 min read
According to the World Health Organization, surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most common healthcare-associated infections worldwide. To combat this, one key strategy in many hospital protocols is the use of the antibiotic ointment mupirocin in the nose before surgery.

Is chlorhexidine or iodine better? A definitive comparison

4 min read
Over 290,000 cases of surgical site infections occur annually in the US, making proper antiseptic selection a critical step in patient safety. Two of the most widely used antiseptics are chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine, prompting many to question: **Is chlorhexidine or iodine better?**.

Unpacking the Question: What is the Strongest Antiseptic?

2 min read
Clinical studies show that for preventing surgical site infections, chlorhexidine-alcohol solutions are superior to povidone-iodine, but the question of what is the strongest antiseptic depends on several factors. The 'best' or 'strongest' option varies greatly depending on the application, the type of microbe targeted, and the presence of organic matter like blood or pus.

What's in Hibiscrub? A Deeper Look at the Antimicrobial Cleanser

4 min read
For over 45 years, the antiseptic skin cleanser Hibiscrub has been a staple in hospitals worldwide for managing infection. Understanding what's in Hibiscrub is key to appreciating its powerful antimicrobial action and how it works to provide long-lasting protection against harmful microbes.

What is Microshield 4 chlorhexidine used for?

4 min read
Studies have demonstrated that preoperative cleansing with a chlorhexidine-alcohol solution can significantly lower the rate of surgical site infections compared to other antiseptics. Microshield 4 chlorhexidine is a topical antiseptic solution widely used in healthcare and home care for various disinfection and hygiene applications.

How to treat an infected IV site? A Comprehensive Guide to Medications and Care

4 min read
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), intravascular catheters are a common source of healthcare-associated infections, making it critical to know **how to treat an infected IV site?**. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the necessary steps, from initial recognition to specific medications and aftercare.

What is peridox?: Decoding the Difference from Peridex Oral Rinse

4 min read
While the names sound very similar, it is a critical safety distinction that Peridox is a potent disinfectant for surfaces, not a medication, and is frequently mistaken for Peridex, a prescription oral rinse. Confusing these products can lead to serious health and safety risks in both clinical and home settings.