In light of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) long-expected final rule requiring triclosan to be phased out of antimicrobial soaps, DebMed is offering healthcare institutions a complete product suite of triclosan alternatives available immediately.

The rule, “Safety and Effectiveness of Healthcare Antiseptics; Topical Antimicrobial Drug Products for Over-the Counter Human Use,” states that triclosan must be phased out of over-the-counter healthcare antiseptic products, including healthcare personnel handwashes and rubs, surgical hand scrubs and rubs, and patient antiseptic skin preparations, by December 20, 2018.

“In anticipation of the FDA making this ruling, we developed several new antimicrobial soaps to replace triclosan soaps,” said Ron Chappuis, Vice President of Marketing, DebMed. “These formulas have proven to be clinically effective, are extremely mild to the skin and we have received outstanding feedback on these products from our customers.”

For healthcare institutions looking for immediate alternatives to triclosan, DebMed offers the following:

• Kindest Kare® Advanced Antimicrobial Foam Handwash (active benzalkonium chloride). Tested in accordance with both the 1994 and 2015 FDA proposed clinical methods for Healthcare Personnel Handwash, this mild foaming handwash is designed for frequent hand washing by healthcare workers in all healthcare settings. The handwash is also both fragrance and dye-free, minimizing the likelihood of adverse allergic reactions. 
   
• Kindest Kare® Advanced Antimicrobial Liquid Handwash (active benzalkonium chloride). This fast-acting, mild and fragrance-free antimicrobial liquid soap is designed for frequent use in healthcare environments. The handwash was tested in accordance with and met the 1994 and 2015 FDA proposed clinical methods for Healthcare Personnel Handwash. Designed with healthcare workers in mind, this handwash is gentle on skin and leaves hands feeling silky and soft
   
• BactoShield® two percent CHG (active chlorhexidine gluconate). Provides rapid, persistent bactericidal action against a broad spectrum of microorganisms including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant entercocci (VRE). Its thicker formulation allows for less run-off and better lathering characteristics.

For facilities looking change to a non-antimicrobial soap, DebMed also offers a range of scented and non-scented products.

“We recognize that many hospitals rely on antimicrobial soaps as part of their front line infection prevention practice,” said Martin McGonagle, Sr. Vice President of Sales, DebMed. “Since triclosan is one of the most widely-used antimicrobials, many hospitals will need to change their soap in a very short timeframe. DebMed is prepared to assist hospitals in finding an optimal replacement to meet their specific needs and facilitate the switch as soon as possible.”

For more information about DebMed’s hand hygiene solutions for hospital facilities, visit https://www.debmed.com/triclosan-alternative-soaps/.