Henry A. Spiller Author

Case Report Open Access

A Case of Fatal Ingestion of a 10% Benzalkonium Chloride Solution

Author(s):

Henry A. Spiller

A Case of Fatal Ingestion of a 10% Benzalkonium Chloride Solution

Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is a mixture of quaternary ammonium compounds of alkyl-dimethylbenzylammonium chlorides. It has wide ranging use as a disinfectant, germicidal cleaner, algaecide, cationic detergent and topical dermal antiseptic. Ingestion of BAC can cause local caustic effects and systemic effects. The present report involved a 78 year old male with a history of severe dementia who ingested up to 240ml of a germicidal disinfectant containing 10% benzalkonium chloride. Shortly after, he complained of oral pain and nausea, and experienced one episode of vomiting. Upon arrival to the emergency department approximately 45 minutes post-ingestion the patient’s complaints included oral ... view more»

DOI: 10.4172/2325-9841.1000113

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