Abstract

Objectives: The preservatives benzalkonium chlorid (BZC) and potassium sorbate(PS) are wideley used, not only

for nasal drops, but also for eye drops and cosmetics. However, there have been many reports about side effects

to be result of irritation induced by BZC and PS.

Material and Methods: BZC and PS were administrated to the noses of 44 male rats for one and four weeks long

and then histological and clinical changes were investigated.

Results: Symptomatic changes suh as sneezing and nasal rubbing were observed in almost all groups by the 6th

day of administration. The histological changes were observed by light microscope The preservatives induced

nasal lesions were noted. The symptomatic and histologic changes were pronounced with the prolonged duration

of administration.

Conclusion: It is concluded that both BZC and PS have harmful effects on respiratory ephitel on rat.

Key words: Benzalkonium chlorid, Potassium sorbate, Nasal mucosa.