Cetylpyridinium is a quaternary ammonium with broad-spectrum antiseptic activities.1 It is active against S. mutans, S. sanguis, E. coli, Oxford Staphylococcus, and C. albicans in media (MICs = 1.25-62.5 ?g/ml) and against Oxford Staphylococcus in pooled human saliva (MICs = 7.8-15.6 ?g/ml).2 Cetylpyridinium slows plaque formation for at least 21 days compared to a deionized water control in a rat incisor plaque model when applied topically at concentrations ranging from 0.025 to 2%.3 Formulations containing cetylpyridinium have been used as antiseptic agents in the treatment of gingivitis and as antimicrobial agents in raw food processing.
1.Huyck, C.L.The effect of cetylpyridinium chloride on the bacterial growth in the oral cavityJ. Am. Pharm. Assoc.34(1)5-11(1945) 2.Roberts, W.R., and Addy, M.Comparison of the in vivo and in vitro antibacterial properties of antiseptic mouthrinses containing chlorhexidine, alexidine, cetyl pyridinium chloride and hexetidine. Relevance to mode of actionJ. Clin. Periodontol.8(4)295-310(1981) 3.Schemehorn, B.R., McDonald, J.L., Stookey, G.K., et al.An incisor plaque model in ratsJ. Dent. Res.63(1)32-36(1984)