Triclosan
Triclosan is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent classified under ATC category D08 (antiseptics and disinfectants). It is primarily used as a topical antiseptic in healthcare settings and was formerly found in consumer products like soaps and toothpastes. Due to regulatory concerns about safety and efficacy, its use in over-the-counter consumer products has been restricted in many countries.
Triclosan is a topical antimicrobial agent used for disinfection and antisepsis, though its use in consumer products has been significantly limited.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- D08AX06
- RxNorm
- unknown
- Generic
- Triclosan
- Class
- atc-d08
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 0
- Onset (min)
- 0
- Duration (h)
- 0
- Routes
- topical
- Forms
- liquid soap, bar soap, toothpaste, mouthwash, hand sanitizer, gel, cream
- Regions
- United States, European Union, Canada, Australia, Asia
- Monitoring
- skin irritation, allergic reactions
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.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; topical products preferred over oral
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second and third trimesteravoid if possible
minimize use of antimicrobial soaps and personal care products containing triclosan
standard prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
prefer alternatives for personal care products; if used, wash thoroughly before breastfeeding
monitor infant for any adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants and toddlers 0 3 yearsavoid
do not use triclosan-containing products in infants and toddlers; avoid antibacterial soaps
monitor for skin irritation and developmental effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children 4 12 yearslimited use
use only when specifically indicated; avoid in routine daily hygiene products
monitor for skin sensitivity and endocrine effects with long-term use
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderno specific adjustment needed
use standard precautions; monitor for skin dryness and irritation
routine geriatric assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno dose adjustment for topical use
for topical formulations, no adjustment needed; monitor renal function periodically
periodic renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
limit use of triclosan-containing products; prefer topical over systemic if available
regular renal function and triclosan level monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno specific adjustment for topical use
standard use for topical formulations; hepatic metabolism minimal with skin application
periodic liver function tests with long-term use
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeuse with caution
limit use of triclosan-containing products; monitor for signs of hepatic stress
regular liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly used since
Historical usage in consumer products
Drug class
Chemical classification as antibacterial compound
Common uses
Primary applications in consumer products
FDA ban year
Regulatory actions taken by FDA
Triclosan is used for hand washing and skin preparation in healthcare settings, as well as for disinfecting medical equipment and surfaces. Historically, it was included in consumer products like antibacterial soaps, toothpastes, and cosmetics for antimicrobial purposes.
Triclosan works by inhibiting bacterial fatty acid synthesis, disrupting cell membrane function and inhibiting the enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (ENR) enzyme. This provides both bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Regulatory agencies including the FDA have raised concerns about potential endocrine disruption and antibiotic resistance. In 2016, the FDA banned its use in over-the-counter antiseptic washes for consumers due to insufficient safety and efficacy data. It remains in limited use in healthcare settings. Common side effects may include skin irritation. Individuals with known hypersensitivity should avoid use.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
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 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy