Цитеал

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Цитеал

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Цитеал

Property Description
Active ingredient Chlorhexidine digluconate, Hexamidine diisethionate, Chlorocresol
Form Foaming solution for external use
Pharmacological class Antiseptics and Disinfectants (ATC Code D08AC52)
Common use Hygienic management and infection prevention
Origin Synthetic chemical substances

Цитеал is a widely recognized antiseptic and disinfectant preparation formulated strictly for external use on the skin and accessible mucous membranes. It is classified pharmacologically within the Antiseptics and Disinfectants group, serving as a distinct polysubstance solution designed to reduce microbial load. The combination of its active ingredients is officially listed under the ATC Code D08AC52 (Chlorhexidine in combination with other preparations).


Defining the Drug: Classification and Combination Status

Цитеал is defined as a combination drug because it integrates three distinct synthetic chemical substances, which provides a key differentiating factor from many single-agent antiseptic solutions. This structure aims to achieve enhanced cleansing and antimicrobial efficacy. This dual-cationic antiseptic base is clinically recognized for providing complementary activity against a wide range of pathogens.


The Active Ingredients and Pharmaceutical Form

Chlorhexidine digluconate and Hexamidine diisethionate are the primary cationic antiseptics, combined with the preservative Chlorocresol. All three components are synthetic chemical substances. Цитеал is commercially presented as a unique foaming solution for external use, which appears as a viscous light-yellow liquid. The formulation is an aqueous solution that specifically includes detergent or surfactant components; this feature enhances its practical utility in surface cleansing. Chlorhexidine provides substantivity, meaning it remains active on the surface even after rinsing.


General Purpose and High-Level Action

The general benefit of this preparation is its ability to rapidly achieve and sustain effective hygienic management by utilizing a powerful broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. The combined action of the two primary cationic antiseptics works to disrupt the cell structure of various pathogens, resulting in bacteriostatic, fungicidal, and even trichomonacidal activity. The formulation is primarily indicated for the disinfection and hygienic cleaning of the skin and mucous membranes. This sustained surface activity is key to its role in infection prevention within general hygiene practices.

Regulatory References

  1. CYTEAL, solution moussante - Official Drug Database

What side effects are possible with Цитеал?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

This section outlines the officially documented adverse reactions and safety statements for Цитеал, based strictly on authoritative government regulatory documents, such as the French Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) from the Base de Données Publique des Médicaments (BDPM).


Documented Adverse Reactions

The frequency of all documented adverse reactions is classified as Frequency Not Known (Fréquence indéterminée) due to limitations in estimating incidence from post-marketing data.

System Organ Class (SOC) Adverse Reactions
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Allergic skin reactions (Dermatitis, Pruritus, Erythema, Eczema, Rash, Urticaria, Blisters); Application site reactions (Tingling, Burning sensation, Skin dryness, Redness).
Immune System Disorders Hypersensitivity.
Eye Disorders Eye irritation.

Serious Adverse Reactions

The official labeling documents potential serious risks, which include:

  • Anaphylactic Shock: A severe, acute systemic allergic reaction.
  • Permanent Significant Visual Deficiency: Severe ocular damage, such as corneal erosion or epithelial lesions, may result from accidental contact with the eyes.

Safety Constraints and Considerations

The regulatory documents include critical limitations on the use of the solution:

  • Site Restrictions: The solution must not be used in the eye or in the ear canal if the tympanic membrane is perforated.
  • Drug Inactivation: The label advises against simultaneous or successive use with other cutaneous products, including ordinary soap, to prevent inactivation of the antiseptic agents.
  • Usage Pattern: Local reactions at the application site are noted to occur particularly with repeated use.
  • Breastfeeding Precaution: Although excretion into breast milk is negligible, it is officially recommended not to apply Цитеал to the breasts while breastfeeding.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory profile for this external antiseptic foaming solution addresses overdose primarily in the context of accidental ingestion, particularly of high concentrations of the product.

Domain Regulatory Statement
Documented overdose presentations Irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa and Gastritis have been officially documented as potential localized effects following ingestion.
Physiological systems affected Primarily the Gastrointestinal system; systemic effects are classified as unlikely or extremely unlikely due to poor absorption.
Dose-related or exposure-related factors The overdose risk is constrained to accidental ingestion of the solution at high concentrations.
When immediate medical help is required Authorities mandate that individuals seek medical advice and contact a poison control centre immediately in cases of accidental ingestion.

Official overdose statements:

  • Accidental ingestion of the product warrants immediate action, including washing out the mouth and administering water or milk to drink.
  • Management should include the employment of symptomatic treatment.
  • Gastric lavage may be considered as an appropriate procedural step following the ingestion of high concentrations.

Connection to the overall overdose profile:

The regulatory documents define the overdose profile by stating that systemic toxicity is unlikely due to poor absorption, constraining the risk primarily to localized gastrointestinal effects. This assessment establishes the required emergency-seeking conditions, which mandate immediate professional medical contact, while outlining supportive measures for managing the direct exposure.

Therapeutic Uses of Цитеал

What Цитеал Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The foaming solution is used for managing symptomatic distress and hygienic control, and may assist with supportive relief in conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms.

The preparation is commonly applied in dermatological settings to address superficial skin conditions and dermatoses where microbial overgrowth or secondary infection risk is a significant concern. This involves managing symptoms like localized pruritus (itching), erythema (redness), and persistent malodor. The solution is also relevant for the external hygienic management of accessible mucous membranes, often applied in contexts involving gynecological or perineal symptomatic distress.

Quick Fact: Relief for Localized Irritation

This application is relevant when supportive symptom management is appropriate, assists with maintaining functional stability, and provides supportive relief when symptoms create noticeable physiological strain. It plays a role in managing symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states, thus contributing to improved comfort during symptomatic periods.

“The preparation is commonly used in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns where temporary assistance in symptom stabilization is important.”

It is often used during phases when symptoms become more noticeable and may be part of symptomatic management in situations involving heightened physiological activity, contributing to easing the overall symptom load.

Regulatory References

  1. Base de Données Publique des Médicaments (French Drug Database)

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

This section outlines the official population eligibility and non-eligibility for Цитеал (a topical antiseptic containing hexamidine and chlorhexidine) strictly based on governmental regulatory documents.


Eligibility scope

Populations for whom use is Contraindicated Eligibility-related Restrictions
Individuals with documented hypersensitivity or allergy to hexamidine or chlorhexidine. Use is prohibited near the meninges, in the eye, and in the ear canal if the eardrum is perforated.
Use must be avoided on extensive areas of damaged skin (e.g., large burns) due to the risk of systemic absorption.

Age-related eligibility rules

  • Children younger than 2 months of age: Use is not recommended due to the increased risk of skin irritation and systemic absorption.
  • Adults and Children 2 months of age and older: Use is allowed, subject to the application site and extent-of-use restrictions.

Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status

  • Pregnancy: Use is generally considered acceptable but should be used only if clearly needed and on the advice of a healthcare professional.
  • Lactation (Breastfeeding): Use is generally acceptable, but application to the nipples/breasts should be avoided before feeding to prevent infant ingestion.

Connection to the overall eligibility profile Regulatory documents define eligibility by establishing absolute contraindications based on known allergies and prohibiting application to specific internal or delicate sites. The profile also sets restrictions and warnings for vulnerable populations, primarily infants and those with compromised skin integrity, due to the recognized risk of systemic absorption of the active ingredients. The medicine is intended solely for external application on eligible patient groups.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with Other Medicines and Products

The regulatory profile for Цитеал (Chlorhexidine, Hexamidine, Chlorocresol) is defined by its use as a cationic antiseptic for external application. Due to minimal systemic absorption, the official prescribing information does not document any systemic drug–drug interactions, such as those mediated by CYP enzymes or drug transporters, that would alter plasma exposure levels (AUC/Cmax) of the active ingredients.

The primary focus of documented interactions is on chemical incompatibility that affects local efficacy. Co-administration with anionic derivatives is officially a contraindicated combination.

Officially Documented Incompatibility

Interaction Type Interacting Substance/Class Official Outcome/Restriction
Pharmacodynamic Neutralization Anionic derivatives (soaps, common detergents) Loss of antimicrobial activity; Contraindicated
Local Incompatibility Risk Other topical antiseptics Avoid co-administration

This mandatory restriction reflects that anionic substances chemically neutralize the positively charged cationic components. Regulatory text specifies that the skin or mucous membrane must be thoroughly rinsed with water after the use of any soap or anionic product and before the application of Цитеал to eliminate residual anionic agents. No interactions with food, alcohol, or herbal products are documented in the regulatory labels for this external solution.

Mechanism of Action

How Цитеал Works: Pharmacodynamic Mechanism

Цитеал operates via the synergistic, multi-target pharmacodynamic action of its three cationic agents—Chlorhexidine, Hexamidine, and Chlorocresol—which results in the reduction of surface microorganisms. The primary mechanism initiates with the electrostatic binding of these positively charged molecules to the negatively charged lipid bilayer of the microbial cell membrane.

This binding causes the rapid physical disruption and lysis of the cell wall, leading to the leakage of essential internal components like potassium ions. Concurrently, the agents drive a second lethal cascade by interfering with microbial energy pathways. Chlorocresol, notably, facilitates the uncoupling of the Proton Motive Force ( PMF), which effectively halts ATP synthesis and contributes to extensive microbial destruction. Furthermore, Chlorhexidine exhibits substantivity—binding to the skin's keratinized layers to create a localized reservoir—which maintains residual antiseptic activity for a sustained period on the treated surface.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Цитеал: Official Administration Guidelines

Цитеал is an antiseptic foaming solution whose proper use is defined by guidelines for external hygienic management. As a topical product, dosing is procedural, focusing on preparation, application, and rinsing.


Administration Scope and Route

The approved route of administration is the Cutaneous Route, meaning the solution is strictly for external use only on the skin and accessible mucous membranes. The product must not be injected or swallowed.

Instruction Detail
Route of administration External/Topical Use Only
Frequency pattern Typically one to two applications per day.
Course duration Use is generally episodic, often for a period of 7 to 10 days.
Age-group use Approved for all ages, but should be used with caution in children.

Preparation and Procedural Steps

Цитеал is used like a liquid soap, but requires adherence to specific preparation and cleansing rules:

  1. Preparation: The solution may be used pure (undiluted) or diluted at a ratio of 1 volume of solution to 9 volumes of water (a 1/10 dilution). The diluted solution must be prepared immediately before use and cannot be stored.
  2. Application: Apply the pure or diluted solution to the affected area of the skin or mucous membrane.
  3. Mandatory Rinsing: Following every application, the treated area must be rinsed abundantly with clean water.

Administration Constraints

Specific rules exist to maintain the product's efficacy and prevent misuse:

  • Incompatibility: The solution must not be used simultaneously with ordinary soap, nor should it be mixed with other antiseptics, as this may reduce its effectiveness.
  • Packaging: The container should not be closed with a cork stopper due to incompatibility issues.
  • Exclusions: It is not intended for the cleaning of the eyes, ear canal (in case of eardrum perforation), or for the disinfection of medical equipment.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Цитеал

This overview summarizes the available research regarding the clinical evaluation of the active ingredients in Цитеал, focusing only on the types of studies conducted and the patterns observed, as reported by authoritative scientific and regulatory sources.


Evidence for Hygienic Management of Superficial Skin Conditions

Research exploring how symptoms change over time has focused on the application of this preparation as a hygienic measure for superficial skin conditions, particularly where microbial growth or the risk of secondary infection is a concern. Studies were observed in patients presenting with conditions where symptoms may vary in intensity. Findings describe patterns observed that confirmed the active ingredients was studied for antimicrobial activity in laboratory settings, indicating activity against various bacteria and fungi. When applied in clinical contexts, studies reported measurements of change in microbial counts on the skin surface.

Evidence for External Hygiene of Accessible Mucous Membranes

Studies examined the use of the preparation for external hygiene in adults requiring cleansing of accessible mucous membranes, particularly in research contexts involving fluctuating or unstable symptoms. Data show patterns related to the product's utility as a supportive hygienic measure when applied in studies examining patient-reported experiences related to localized discomfort. Findings reported measurements of a change in the density of microbial flora during the study period.

Understanding Study Duration and Recognized Uncertainties

Most research for the cleansing and hygienic uses of Цитеал was studied for short-term outcomes. Measures of antimicrobial activity were studied for a short period to assess how long active ingredient presence was monitored on the skin surface after rinsing. Clinical studies typically had treatment periods lasting only a few days up to one week. Long-term effects are not fully established for this antiseptic combination, and the research exploration for sustained or maintenance outcomes is limited. A key limitation is the absence of a large number of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) conducted on this specific three-component, aqueous foaming solution. Consequently, much of the understanding of its potential is extrapolated from extensive research on its individual cationic components.

Key Studies & References

  1. Base de Données Publique des Médicaments (Public Drug Database): CITÉAL (69544933)
  2. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology: ATC Code D08AC52 (Chlorhexidine in combination with other preparations)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Цитеал (FAQ)

Q: Can Цитеал be used for general hygiene purposes, or is it only for specific conditions?

Official regulatory documents describe the product’s function as hygienic management and for infection prevention. The typically defined course of use is for a period of 7 to 10 days. The documentation therefore defines its role as being supportive hygiene for specific periods, rather than long-term general cleansing.

Q: How quickly should the effects of Цитеал be noticeable?

The formulation’s mechanism of action is described as involving the rapid physical disruption of microbial cell membranes upon contact. This action results in the rapid reduction of surface microorganisms according to pharmacological studies.

Q: Can you use Цитеал on the face and neck?

Official guidelines permit application to the skin and accessible mucous membranes. However, regulatory documents strictly prohibit use in the eye or in the ear canal if the eardrum is perforated. These application site restrictions are in place due to the risk of serious visual damage or other adverse reactions.

Q: Is it okay to use Цитеал on a daily basis for an extended period?

The typical recommended course duration for using this preparation is 7 to 10 days. Official labeling also notes that local reactions at the application site, such as tingling or a burning sensation, are reported to occur particularly with repeated use.

Q: Can people with very sensitive skin use Цитеал?

Official regulatory documentation lists several possible adverse reactions that involve the skin, including irritation, dryness, and redness. The product is also strictly contraindicated for anyone with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to its active ingredients.

Q: Does research indicate the effectiveness of Цитеал for post-operative care?

Studies have examined the preparation's utility as a supportive hygienic measure in contexts involving superficial skin conditions. This research is focused on situations where there is a risk of secondary infection.

Q: Is there official information about using Цитеал for conditions like acne or eczema?

The available research has examined the preparation for its use as a hygienic measure for superficial skin conditions in general. These studies focus on situations where a microbial growth concern exists. Specific conditions such as acne or eczema are not listed as official indications in the regulatory documentation.

Q: Does using too much Цитеал increase the risk of side effects?

Regulatory documents advise avoiding use on extensive areas of damaged skin, such as large burns. This restriction is due to the recognized risk of systemic absorption of the active ingredients, which is generally related to the total amount of product applied over a large or compromised area.

Q: Is the foam or lather from Цитеал supposed to be thick?

Official documentation describes the preparation as a foaming solution that is commercially presented as a viscous light-yellow liquid. The viscous quality refers to the thickness of the liquid itself before lathering.

Q: Why is proper rinsing of Цитеал described as an important step?

Rinsing with clean water is required after every application as a procedural step. This requirement is in place to prevent the risk of local reactions and to ensure that residual product is eliminated from the skin surface.

Q: Why is Цитеал often recommended for use before a medical procedure?

The preparation is officially indicated for hygienic management and infection prevention on the skin and accessible mucous membranes. This official purpose is the basis for its utility in pre-procedural cleansing contexts.

Q: What does 'antiseptic' mean in the context of this product?

The preparation is officially classified as an antiseptic, which means it is formulated for effective hygienic management. It utilizes a powerful broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity to reduce microbial load (the number of microorganisms) on the skin and mucous membranes.

Q: Why do some people mistakenly think Цитеал is a classic antibiotic?

Official labeling classifies this preparation as an Antiseptic and Disinfectant that works on the surface of the skin. It is designed to reduce microbial load externally and is not classified as a systemic antibiotic medicine that is absorbed into the bloodstream.

How should Цитеал be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Цитеал?

The official regulatory documentation strictly defines the storage and disposal requirements for this product.

Storage and Handling Requirements

The product must be kept cool and stored in a well-ventilated location. To maintain stability, it is required to store the medicine away from sources of ignition, including heat, sparks, open flames, or any other hot surfaces. Users must not smoke near the product.

Storage Classification Requirement
Temperature/Environment Keep cool; Store in well-ventilated place.
Handling Constraint Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames.

Official Disposal Instructions

Disposal must strictly adhere to the documented regulatory guidelines because the product is classified as a hazardous waste. Both the contents and the container must be disposed of in accordance with relevant environmental protection agency guidelines, which typically prohibits discarding the substance in standard household waste or flushing it down the drain.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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