Cetylpyridinium chloride

Cetylpyridinium chloride is a cationic quaternary ammonium compound that has been used to eliminate oral pathogens. It has shown a high degree of efficacy towards gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria and some pathogenic fungi. Cetylpyridinium chloride functions as a surfactant, reducing the surface tension between pathogenic membranes and their environments. Greater interaction between the membrane and environment disrupts the cell membrane and osmoregulation. Compromising the membrane ultimately results in cell death.