Membrane disruptor
Bacterial membrane disrupting agent
- Physically disrupts the bacterial membrane; no enzyme or receptor target
- Benzoyl peroxide releases free radicals that oxidize C. acnes membrane lipids; chlorhexidine is a cation that disrupts the membrane and precipitates cytoplasm
- Resistance rare
- Poor selectivity → 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.
Self-check
- Does physical bacterial-membrane disruption require a receptor or enzyme target?
No. - Why are the bacterial-membrane disruptors described here restricted to topical use?
Poor selectivity.
All mechanisms · Open Membrane disruptor in the interactive console ↗