Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Isopropanol (also known as isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol) is widely used as a topical antiseptic and disinfectant to prevent and control infection. Its use is scientifically validated for surface and skin disinfection. Isopropanol rapidly denatures proteins and disrupts cell membranes, effectively killing a broad spectrum of bacteria, viruses, and some fungi. Numerous studies demonstrate that concentrations of 60-90% isopropanol are effective in reducing microbial load on skin and surfaces, which is why it is routinely used in clinical settings for hand sanitization, skin preparation before injections, and cleaning medical instruments.

However, isopropanol is not used for systemic treatment of infections or for internal consumption due to its toxicity. Its role is strictly limited to external use as a means of reducing the risk of infection by killing pathogens at the site of application. The evidence base is robust for its antiseptic and disinfectant properties, but it has no role in treating established infections inside the body.

In summary, isopropanol’s use in infection prevention is well-supported by scientific evidence, but this is restricted to topical and environmental applications rather than systemic therapy.

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