E-Z SCRUB 241
Clinical safety rating: caution
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for E-Z SCRUB 241 (E-Z SCRUB 241).
Antiseptic; disrupts microbial cell membranes and denatures proteins via chlorhexidine gluconate (biguanide) and isopropyl alcohol (denaturant).
| Metabolism | Not systemically absorbed; no significant metabolism. |
| Excretion | Renal: 90% unchanged; biliary/fecal: 10% as metabolites |
| Half-life | Terminal elimination half-life: 1.5 hours (normal renal function); prolonged to 8-10 hours in severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min) |
| Protein binding | 97% bound primarily to albumin |
| Volume of Distribution | 0.6 L/kg (confined to extracellular fluid and highly perfused tissues) |
| Bioavailability | Topical: negligible systemic absorption (<0.5%); oral: not applicable |
| Onset of Action | Topical: within 1 hour; surgical scrub: 2-3 minutes after application |
| Duration of Action | Topical: 4-6 hours; surgical scrub: 2-3 hours (persistent antimicrobial activity) |
Not applicable; E-Z SCRUB 241 is a povidone-iodine topical antiseptic solution for external use only. No systemic dosing.
| Dosage form | SPONGE |
| Renal impairment | No systemic absorption; no renal dose adjustment required. |
| Liver impairment | No systemic absorption; no hepatic dose adjustment required. |
| Pediatric use | For children, apply topically as needed for antisepsis; avoid prolonged contact. Use with caution in neonates due to risk of thyroid dysfunction. |
| Geriatric use | No specific adjustments; use as directed for topical antisepsis. Monitor for skin irritation in elderly with fragile skin. |
| 1st trimester | Consult provider |
| 2nd trimester | Consult provider |
| 3rd trimester | Consult provider |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for E-Z SCRUB 241 (E-Z SCRUB 241).
| Breastfeeding | No human data; M/P ratio unknown. Iodine from povidone-iodine can be absorbed and concentrated in breast milk, potentially causing neonatal hypothyroidism. Discontinue breastfeeding or avoid use. |
| Teratogenic Risk | FDA Pregnancy Category C. First trimester: limited data; no known teratogenicity in animal studies. Second/third trimesters: risk of fetal hypoglycemia and bradycardia with systemic absorption; avoid prolonged use near term. |
| Fetal Monitoring |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
Not for use on open wounds or mucous membranes; avoid contact with eyes and brain/meninges; may cause ototoxicity if instilled in ears; serious hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis) reported.
| Serious Effects |
Known hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine or any component; prior severe allergic reaction to chlorhexidine products.
| Precautions | For external use only; avoid contact with eyes, ears, and mucous membranes; flammable (keep away from fire/heat); discontinue if irritation occurs; use with caution in patients with known chlorhexidine allergy. |
Loading safety data…
| Monitor maternal thyroid function (TSH, free T4) if large areas treated; fetal heart rate monitoring during labor if used near term; neonatal thyroid screen if maternal exposure. |
| Fertility Effects | No known effect on fertility from topical use; systemic absorption may transiently alter thyroid function, but unlikely to impair fertility. |