Glutaral
Glutaral (glutaraldehyde) is primarily a high-level disinfectant and sterilizing agent used in healthcare settings for medical equipment that cannot be heat-sterilized. It is also occasionally used as a topical treatment for warts and verrucae due to its antiviral and keratolytic properties. Unlike most medications, glutaral is not typically taken systemically but applied to surfaces or skin.
Glutaral is a potent disinfectant and sterilizing agent used for medical equipment and occasionally for topical treatment of warts.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 4888
- Generic
- Glutaral
- Class
- unclassified
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- topical
- Forms
- solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
High-level disinfection of heat-sensitive medical instruments (such as endoscopes), sterilization of laboratory equipment, tissue fixation in pathology, and topical treatment of common warts, plantar warts, and genital warts (condylomata acuminata).
Glutaraldehyde exerts its antimicrobial effects by cross-linking proteins and disrupting nucleic acids. For topical use, it acts as a keratolytic agent that destroys infected tissue while potentially stimulating immune responses against viral infections.
Glutaral is for external use only and must not be ingested. It can cause severe irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Occupational exposure requires proper ventilation and protective equipment. When used topically, it should only be applied to warts, avoiding surrounding healthy skin. Solutions must be properly diluted and monitored for effective concentration.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy