Benzyl alcohol's antimicrobial action arises from disruption of microbial cell membranes, giving it effective bacteriostatic activity at concentrations of 0.9-2% v/v in multi-dose parenteral vials. It also has mild local anesthetic properties, contributing to reduced injection-site pain, though its use in neonates is restricted due to 'gasping syndrome' toxicity risk at high cumulative doses.
Benzyl Alcohol is an aromatic alcohol used as a bacteriostatic preservative in multi-dose injectable formulations and as a mild local anesthetic component, valued for its broad antimicrobial activity at low use concentrations.
| Chemical Name | Benzyl Alcohol (Phenylmethanol) |
| CAS Number | 100-51-6 |
| IUPAC Name | Phenylmethanol |
| Molecular Formula | C7H8O |
| Molecular Weight | 108.14 g/mol g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 205.3°C |
| Density | 1.044 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | 1.538-1.541 |
| Flash Point | >100°C |
Provides bacteriostatic protection in multi-use parenteral vials at 0.9-2% v/v concentration.
Contributes mild local anesthetic/pain-reducing effect at the injection site in IM formulations.
Key active ingredient of Bacteriostatic Water (0.9% w/v) used as a multi-dose diluent.
Used as a preservative and fragrance-fixative component in topical pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations.
Pediatrics
Pharmaceutical Press
J. Pharm. Sci. Technol.
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