SODIUM DICHLOROISOCYANURATE = NaDCC

Summary

Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) is a chlorine-releasing compound used for disinfection of medical devices, instruments, linen, floors, and surfaces, with specific preparations and precautions for different applications.

Key points

Sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) is a disinfectant and chlorine-releasing compound.
It is used for disinfection of medical devices, instruments, linen, floors, and surfaces.
NaDCC comes in effervescent tablets, granules, and powder.
The recommended concentration for disinfection solutions is 0.1% active chlorine (1000 ppm).
Precautions include preparing solutions with cold water, avoiding contact with acid solutions and detergents, and protecting stainless steel instruments from corrosion.
NaDCC can be used for wound antisepsis, but only if the formulation is intended for this purpose.
Some formulations can be used for disinfecting drinking water, following the manufacturer's instructions.
NaDCC is also known as sodium troclosene and sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione.
It should be stored in an airtight container, protected from light, heat, and humidity.

Therapeutic action

Disinfectant (chlorine-releasing compound)

Indications

Disinfection of medical devices, instruments, linen, floors and surfaces

Forms and strengths

1.67 g NaDCC effervescent tablet, releasing 1 g active chlorine when dissolved in water. Also comes in different strengths and in granules and powder.

Preparation and use

Pre-disinfection of soiled instruments

0.1% active chlorine solution (1000 ppm): 1 tablet of 1 g active chlorine per litre Immediately after use, soak instruments for 15 minutes, then clean instruments.

Disinfection of clean instruments

0.1% active chlorine solution (1000 ppm): 1 tablet of 1 g active chlorine per litre Soak previously cleaned instruments for 20 minutes, rinse thoroughly and dry.

Disinfection of linen

0.1% active chlorine solution (1000 ppm): 1 tablet of 1 g active chlorine per litre Soak for 15 minutes, rinse thoroughly (at least 3 times).

General disinfection (surfaces, floors, sinks, equipment, etc.)

See Chlorine-releasing compounds (opens in a new tab) and Antiseptics and disinfectants (opens in a new tab), Part two.

Precautions

Prepare solutions with cold water, in non metallic containers.
NaDCC can corrode metal. The risk is limited for good quality stainless steel instruments if concentration, contact time (20 minutes maximum) and thorough rinsing recommendations are respected.
For disinfection of linen: use only for white cotton or linen (risk of discolouration).
Do not expose the product to flames. Do not incinerate.
DO NOT SWALLOW. Do not store NaDCC tablets near oral tablets.
Avoid inhaling vapours and dust when opening or handling the containers.
Do not mix with acid solutions such as urine, etc. (release of toxic chlorine gas) and detergents.

Remarks

NaDCC may be used for wound antisepsis but only if the formulation is intended for this purpose: 0.1% active chlorine solution (1000 ppm): 1 tablet of 1 g active chlorine per litre. For prolonged use, protect the healthy skin around the wound with vaseline. Caution: some formulations used for disinfecting floors contain additives (detergents, colouring, etc.) and cannot be used on wounds. Check label or leaflet.
Some formulations can be used for the disinfection of drinking water (Aquatabs®, etc.). Follow manufacturer's instructions.
NaDCC is also called sodium troclosene, sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione.

Storage

*– *In airtight container, protected from light, heat and humidity, in a well ventilated room