Canadian Medical Guide > Chemicals and Drugs > Chemical Actions and Uses > Specialty Uses of Chemicals > Surface-Active Agents Terms and Definitions

Surface-Active Agents

Medical Definition:	Agents that modify interfacial tension of water; usually substances that have one lipophilic and one hydrophilic group in the molecule; includes soaps, detergents, emulsifiers, dispersing and wetting agents, and several groups of antiseptics.
Guide Notes:	D25-26 qualif
Also Called:	Amphiphilic Agents,Surfactants

Surface-Active Agents Categories.

	Antifoaming Agents - Agents used to prevent the formation of foam or to treat flatulence or bloat.
	Detergents - Purifying or cleansing agents, usually salts of long-chain aliphatic bases or acids, that exert cleansing (oil-dissolving) and antimicrobial effects through a surface action that depends on possessing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties.
	Emulsifying Agents - SURFACE-ACTIVE AGENTS that induce a dispersion of undissolved material throughout a liquid.
	Iodophors - Complexes of iodine and non-ionic surface-active agent acting as carrier and solubilizing agent for the iodine in water. Iodophors usually enhance bactericidal activity of iodine, reduce vapor pressure and odor, minimize staining, and allow wide dilution with water. (From Merck Index, 11th ed)
	Wetting Agents - A surfactant that renders a surface wettable by water or enhances the spreading of water over the surface; used in foods and cosmetics; important in contrast media; also with contact lenses, dentures, and some prostheses. Synonyms: humectants; hydrating agents.

Surface-Active Agents Medical Definitions and Terms

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