1. Pharmaceuticals

• Antimicrobial action: It is used as a preservative due to its antimicrobial properties. It works by disrupting the cell membranes of microorganisms, leading to their death and preventing their growth. Specifically, it's effective against gram-positive bacteria but less effective against gram-negative ones.
• Antiseptic: It is an antiseptic that is applied to the skin or tissue to prevent wound infections and sepsis. It is used in ointments, creams, mouth rinses, plasters or powders.
• Disinfectants: It is used as a disinfectant by disrupting the cell membranes of microorganisms, leading to their death and preventing infection. It's a quaternary ammonium compound with antiseptic properties, meaning it's effective against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses.

2. Personal care

• Antiseptic: It is used in like creams, lotions, and shampoos to provide antiseptic and antimicrobial benefits. It helps protect against infections, treat minor skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, and can be used in first aid settings for wound cleaning.
• Preservative in Products: It is also used as a preservative in various cosmetics, shampoos, and other personal care products.

3. Animal Healthcare

• Antiseptic: In veterinary medicine, cetrimide is used as a topical antiseptic at concentrations of up to 2%. It is also used as an excipient in an injectable antibiotic formulation intended for use in cattle, sheep and pigs.