[Octenidine dihydrochloride, properties of a new antimicrobial agent].

The chemical, antimicrobial and toxicological properties of Octenidine dihydrochloride - a compound belonging to the bipyridines - are briefly described. Already low concentrations (0.1% and less) of the substance are bactericidally and fungicidally effective. It is remarkable that this effect is practically as strong against grampositive as against gram negative germs. The compound is not absorbed by the skin. A systemic effect cannot be observed upon oral application within large of dosage scales. As active component in antiseptics the remanent effect has particularly to be emphasized even against transient germs reaching the skin after disinfection.