<p><strong>Chlorhexidine</strong>: Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic and disinfectant which is effective against a wide range of vegetative Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, some viruses and some fungi. It is ineffective against bacterial spores at room temperature, and acid-fast bacteria are inhibited but not killed. It is more active against Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria and some species of Pseudomonas and Proteus are relatively less susceptible. Chlorhexidine is most active at a neutral or slightly acid pH and its activity may be reduced by blood and other organic matter.<br />
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<strong>Cetrimide</strong>: Cetrimide is a quaternary ammonium disinfectant with properties typical of cationic surfactants. Solutions of these surfactants have emulsifying and detergent properties and bactericidal activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms but higher concentrations are necessary to kill the latter. The combined detergent and antibacterial properties of cetrimide make it useful in cleansing dirty or infected wounds. It is however, relatively ineffective against bacterial spores, acid-fast bacteria, viruses and fungi.</p>