What it does
Triclocarban is an antibacterial agent commonly used in personal care products to reduce bacteria on the skin.
Commonly used for: skin infections, acne, body odor
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 21:01:16 · updated 2026-07-26 13:43:28
About this medicine
Triclocarban is an antibacterial agent commonly used in personal care products to reduce bacteria on the skin.
What it treats
- skin infections
- acne
- body odor
How it works
Triclocarban works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria on the skin.
Who it's for
It is suitable for individuals looking to prevent skin infections or control body odor.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: triclocarban
BNF-referencedTriclocarban is an antimicrobial agent primarily used for its antibacterial properties. It is a triclosan analog that exhibits bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against a variety of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Triclocarban is commonly found in personal care products such as soaps and body washes, functioning to reduce or inhibit bacterial growth on the skin.
Indications
- Bacterial skin infections
- Prevention of infections in minor cuts and abrasions
- Personal hygiene products
Dosage
Children: The paediatric dosage of triclocarban has not been specifically provided. For children, consult the product guidelines or relevant formulations.
Adults: The dosage of triclocarban is typically determined by the specific product formulation. Refer to the product label for appropriate use.
Mechanism of action
Triclocarban exerts antibacterial effects by inhibiting enoyl-(acyl-carrier protein) (ACP) reductase, an enzyme crucial for fatty acid synthesis in bacteria, fungi, and plants. This inhibition disrupts cell membrane synthesis, leading to bacterial growth inhibition. As a membrane-active compound, triclocarban can also disrupt cell membrane function by unspecific adsorption, affecting interstitial proteins and compromising membrane permeability, resulting in the loss of ions and organic molecules.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamic profile of triclocarban indicates that its antimicrobial effects derive from its ability to adsorb to bacterial cell membranes, interrupting their function. This leads to growth inhibition of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, with the extent of bacteriostatic or bactericidal activity dependent on the concentration of the agent used.
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetic properties of triclocarban are not extensively detailed in the provided sources. However, as a topical agent, it is absorbed through the skin and its systemic absorption is likely minimal. The duration of action and elimination half-life may vary based on the formulation and concentration used.
Pregnancy
Triclocarban should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Consult relevant guidelines and healthcare professionals before use.
Breast-feeding
Caution is advised when using triclocarban during breastfeeding. It is advisable to consult healthcare professionals regarding its use in nursing mothers.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: triclocarban
PubChem CID 7547Molecular formula: C13H9Cl3N2O
Mechanism of action
Triclocarban is a triclosan analog with an antibacterial activity. Triclocarban exerts its effect by inhibiting the activity of _enoyl-(acyl-carrier protein) (ACP) reductase_, which is ubiquitously distributed in bacteria, fungi and various plants. ACP reductase catalyzes the last step in each cycle of fatty acid elongation in the type II fatty acid synthase systems. As a result, this agent interrupts cell membrane synthesis and leads to bacterial growth inhibition. As a carbanilide, /triclocarban/ can be classified according to its antimicrobial mechanism as a membrane active compound. The mode of action can be described as unspecific adsorption to cell membranes, interruption of the function of interstitial proteins and/or loss of the semipermeability of the membrane, with discharge of ions and organic molecules. Bacteriostatic or bactericidal effects occur dependent on the concentration. In its standard application concentrations, triclocarban inhibits primarily the growth of gram-positive bacteria, but also that of gram-negative bacteria. Unlike antibiotics, membrane-active antimicrobial substances such as triclocarban are effective within a short period of time.
Pharmacodynamics
The antimicrobial mechanism underlying the bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects of triclocarban is believed to be an unspecific adsorption to cell membranes and interruption of their function. As a result, the growth of gram-positive as well as gram-negative bacteria is inhibited.
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.