Membrane disruptor
Bacterial membrane disrupting agent
- Physically disrupts the bacterial membrane; no enzyme or receptor target
- Resistance rare
- Poor selectivity → topical only
- Damages the bacterial cell membrane directly rather than inhibiting an enzyme or a receptor
- Benzoyl peroxide releases free radicals that oxidize C. acnes membrane lipids; chlorhexidine is a cation that disrupts the membrane and precipitates cytoplasm
- Physicochemical action, so resistance is rare — but selectivity is poor, which is why both are topical only
Drugs with this mechanism (2)
- Benzoyl peroxide — Topical antibacterial oxidant for acne; irritates skin and bleaches fabric.
- Chlorhexidine — Broad topical antiseptic for skin and oral decontamination; persists on tissue.
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