Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HEXAMIDINE ISETHIONATE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Antibacterial, antifungal agent used as a disinfectant for the treatment of minor
infections. Preservative in cosmetics. Topical antiseptic in veterinary practice.
Pentamidine isethionate, a closely related material, is used as an antiprotozoal agent.

SYNONYMS

C20-H26-N4-O2.2C2-H6-O4-S, "benzamidine, 4, 4'-(hexamethylenedioxy)di-, bis(beta-
hydroxyethanesulfonate)", "benzamidine, 4, 4'-(hexamethylenedioxy)di-, bis(beta-
hydroxyethanesulfonate)", "4, 4'-diamidinodiphenoxyhexane di(beta-
hydroxyethanesulfonate)", "4, 4'-diamidinodiphenoxyhexane di(beta-
hydroxyethanesulfonate)", "4, 4'-diamidino-alpha, omega-diphenoxyhexane", "4, 4'-
diamidino-alpha, omega-diphenoxyhexane", "ethanesulfonic acid, 2-hydroxy-, compound
with", "ethanesulfonic acid, 2-hydroxy-, compound with", "4, 4'-[1, 6-
hexanediylbis(oxy)bis(benzenecarboximidamide] (2:1)", "4, 4'-[1, 6-
hexanediylbis(oxy)bis(benzenecarboximidamide] (2:1)", "p, p'-
(hexamethylenedioxy)dibenzamidine bis(beta-hydroxyethanesulfonate)", "p, p'-
(hexamethylenedioxy)dibenzamidine bis(beta-hydroxyethanesulfonate)", "hexamidine
diisethionate", "hexamidine isetionate", "antibacterial/ antifungal/ disinfectant",
Desomedine, Esomedine, Hexomedine, Ophthamedine, Cyteal, Medi-Pulve, RF-2535

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

May cause SENSITIZATION by skin contact.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Accidental ingestion of the material may be damaging to the health of the individual.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may cause transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn). Slight abrasive damage may also result. The material may produce foreign body irritation in certain individuals.  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.  Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of dusts, or fume, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  Inhalation of dusts, generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may be damaging to the health of the individual.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Skin contact with the material is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  Long term exposure to high dust concentrations may cause changes in lung function i.e. pneumoconiosis; caused by particles less than 0.5 micron penetrating and remaining in the lung. Prime symptom is breathlessness; lung shadows show on X-ray.  Side-effects of pentamidine isethionate medication (used as an antiprotozoal agent) include drowsiness, increased urination, loss of appetite, flushed dry skin, fruit-like breath odour, unusual thirst, anxiety, chills, cold sweats, headache, nausea, nervousness,  shakiness, rapid or irregular pulse, unusual tiredness or weakness, unusual hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, skin rash, unusual bleeding or bruising, sore throat and fever, pancreatitis, anaemia,  thrombocytopenia, severe neutropenia, abnormal liver function and death. Moderate or severe chest tightness with wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, increased mucous discharge, stuffy nose, burning eyes, sneezing and lightheadness have also been reported following use of pentamidine  isethionate [Sigma/Aldrich]  Hyperglycaemia, hypoglyceamia and haematological disturbances have been reported after treatment with pentamidine. Vomiting and kidney and liver dysfunction may also occur. Intravenous injection may produce sudden hypotension if administered too rapidly with dizziness, headache,  breathlessness, tachycardia (elevated heart rate) and fainting reported as a consequence.  The use of pentamidine may increase the potential for nephrotoxicity when used with other medications which produce nephrotoxic effects. In vitro tests indicate that pentamidine may prolong thrombin clotting times.