MXPA01008295A - Synergistic antimicrobial skin washing compositions - Google Patents

Abstract

A synergistic composition and a synergistic system for use in treating the skin and hair of people and animals comprises separate treatment compositions (solution, dispersions, emulsions, suspensions or other liquid or liquefiable materials). One treatment with a first composition that may comprise at least 0.1%by weight of antimicrobially active aliphatic phenol derivative and treatment with another composition being selected from the group consisting of:a) a solution comprising an antimicrobially active cationic species, like chlorhexidine gluconate;b) a solution comprising antimicrobially active aliphatic phenol derivative, preferably in a different weight percentage of antimicrobially active aliphatic phenol derivative than said one composition, comprising greater than 0.3%antimicrobially active aliphatic phenol derivative (like Triclosan);c) a solution comprising an alcohol.

Description

COMPOSITIONS OF ANTIMICROBIAL, SYNERGISTIC DERMAL WASH BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of dermal washing compositions, particularly hand washing solutions that provide an antimicrobial activity and, more particularly to combinations of solutions that can be used to provide a synergistic activity against certain microbial growth on a washed surface. 2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Harmful microbial agents are easily carried by animals and people in their skin and integumentary system (e.g., hair). As people and animals contact objects and other animals and people, there is often a transfer or exchange of microbial agents. This type of events is a risk that is appreciated in daily life. However, in certain social environments, such as within the health care industry and the food processing and service industries, these types of interactions can have far more serious consequences than the casual contacts of daily life. For example, food servers and food manufacturers are capable of exposing a very large number of people and animals to a range of potentially dangerous microorganisms. Health care workers can come into contact with large numbers of people, get in contact with extremely infectious agents and come into contact with extremely vulnerable people (for example, people whose immune systems have been compromised). Similarly, veterinary personnel can easily transmit diseases among their patients. Workers in health care are highly aware of the need to maintain a sanitary environment and maintain the highest levels of personal hygiene, but it is difficult to actually carry out a strict hygiene policy between contacts with patients, especially in non-surgical procedures such as in hospital rooms and emergency rooms where there are definite time limitations. The use of disposable or individual covers (such as hand gloves, socks for the feet and face masks) helps in this regard, but there is often the potential for transmission of microorganisms collected before application or after removal. the covers. Soaps, lotions, and antimicrobial (antibacterial) creams to provide persistent activity to the person who washes themselves became quite common in the past decade. Even after washing and rinsing, some residues of the antibacterial agent remain on the skin, inhibiting the growth of organisms on the washed surfaces. There have been recent reports that the low level of antimicrobial protection provided by hard surface washes can even be harmful to the overall protection of health care, with weak antimicrobial protection tending to allow strains of bacteria on washed surfaces to develop a increased resistance to antimicrobial agents. In health care provisions, employees are now provided with a variety of hand care products through all the various activity changes and through all of the various locations within the care facility. Health. This type of products for individual health care includes products for hand washing in general in the areas of sinks and sinks, products for hand washing for health care workers, rinse products for hands without water , lotion products in areas of patient contact and surgical scrubbing products in critical care areas and surgical areas within the health care facility. The products each serve a defined purpose and have characteristics, properties and benefits designed to meet the particular needs of specific situations, such as antimicrobial activity, cleaning, humidification, etc. When hands are washed dozens of times daily or at each change, many products have been found to interact with certain other products used regularly in combination or in sequence. In some cases, it has been found that the different products are chemically incompatible and the characteristics that were supposed to be provided by a product are denied or prevented by the interaction with another product used in sequence or at a different time. Synergy has been reported in certain unique combinations of antimicrobial agents, when used in particular environments. The synergy in the field of antimicrobial agents is defined as an effect of the combined or sequential use of at least two different agents that produce an effect of greater antimicrobial activity than if the individual agents were used alone. Antagonism between at least two antimicrobial agents is defined as an antimicrobial effect from using at least two antimicrobial agents that produces a lower antimicrobial effect than any of the at least two individual products. An antimicrobial effect that is often measured in the determination of synergy is the level of elimination or reduction in the rate of growth. Synergy, as noted above generally, has been reported in the antimicrobial technique. U.S. Patent No. 5, 124,355 discloses a synergistic microbiocidal composition for use against microorganisms in aqueous systems, such as cooling water systems, air rinsing systems and pulp and paper manufacturing systems. The combination comprises a mixture of 2- (dicylthio) ethanoamine and 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane in a range of weight proportions. The U.S. Patent No. 5,741, 757 discloses a biocidal mixture of materials for use in various fields such as paints, knife lubricants, adhesives, herbicides, insecticides and the like. A single active composition comprising a mixture of a water soluble titanium (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium ester salt and at least one surfactant selected from anionic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants in a range of proportions with the salt is provided. . The U.S. Patent No. 5,61 1, 938 discloses biocidal mixtures of quaternary ammonium compounds and chlorine dioxide. The mixture is added to aqueous systems to control bacteria. Aqueous systems include, for example, cooling water systems, air washing systems and pulp and paper manufacturing systems, where the presence of such bacteria can clog, clog or corrode the system. The U.S. Patent No. 5,614,538 discloses an antimicrobial composition containing pyrithione and alcohol for use against negative bacteria per gram. The mixture imparts antimicrobial activity to a composition comprising water or an organic solvent, including soap, shampoo or medicament for skin care, as well as metal working fluids. The U.S. Patent No. 5,374,536 describes a product detection test for biocides and identifies a number of specific combinations within individual solutions that pass the test. The materials are generally described for particular use with water or aqueous water systems, and identify many different specific fields within that class, particularly the preparation of pulp, finished paper, pulp and paper, textile processing waters, water food processing, cooling water, recirculation water, effluent streams, fermentation streams and the like. The specific biocides are listed within the patent. U.S. Patent No. 5,776,960 discloses antimicrobial compositions containing an ionene polymer and a pyrithione salt and methods for using the composition. The compositions are particularly described for use in the preservation or control of the development of at least one microorganism in various types of media or industrial materials., such as, but not limited to, dyes, pastes, pulps, sawn wood, skins, textiles, wood chips, tanning liquor, paper mill bleach, polymer emulsions, paints, papers, coating and sizing agents, fluids metal working, geological drilling lubricants, petrochemicals, cooling water systems, recreational water, affluent water, sewage water, pasteurizers, retort cokers, pharmaceutical formulations, cosmetic and sanitary formulations, and the like. The U.S. Patent No. 5,736,574 describes a pharmaceutical / cosmetic composition comprising an antimicrobial mixture. The mixture comprises at least one antimicrobial hydrolipid and / or lipid and an antimicrobially synergistic amount of at least one glyceryl monoalkyl ether. The U.S. Patent No. 5,569,461 describes a topical antimicrobial composition and the method of use. The composition is described as being useful for disinfecting, cleaning, treating and conditioning the skin and comprises a monoester of propylene glycol of capric or caprylic acid, a second monoester of propylene glycol of capric or caprylic acid, a synergist (e.g. acidic chelating agents and food grade phenols), propylene glycol, a surfactant and a vehicle. Additional antimicrobial systems are still desirable, particularly where those systems may have additional use flexibility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention describes a synergistic composition and a synergistic system for use in the treatment of the skin and hair of people and animals. The system comprises separate treatment compositions (solution, dispersions, emulsions, suspensions or other liquid or liquefiable materials), a treatment with a composition comprising at least 0.1% by weight of the generic class of antimicrobial agents inclusive of Triclosan (the name Triclosan, as used in the specification and claims, but not in the Examples, is intended to be generic for the inclusive chemical class of the compound known as Triclosan, unless otherwise stated) and another composition that is selected from the group which consists of: a) a washing solution comprising chlorhexidine gluconate; b) a washing solution comprising Triclosan, preferably at a different weight percentage of the Triclosan of said composition, comprising an amount at least greater than 0.3% of Triclosan; c) a washing solution comprising an alcohol (for example, ethanol, isopropanol). These compositions are not applied in any particular order and more than two compositions may be combined in separate or sequential applications. The individual compositions of the present invention comprise a single composition comprising at least 0.1% by weight of Triclosan and at least one synergistic additive selected from the group consisting of chlorhexidene gluconate, a solution containing more than 0.3% Triclosan and an alcohol It has been found that these compositions, both as individual compositions or as separate compositions, provide synergistic antimicrobial effects. It is surprising that even when the separate compositions are applied with significant periods of time between the application of the individual compositions (eg, 2, 3, 5 or even 8 hours between applications), a synergistic effect can be provided. It is believed that this is at least partly due to the fact that certain materials may persist on the skin and later be combined with the application of the other synergistic composition. Due to the unique ability to provide synergy in separate compositions, with time intervals between the application of the separated materials, a system of washing, cleaning, lubrication and wetting compositions can be provided within a complex skin care. In this way, as an individual applies the various compositions during the course of the day, due to a variant activity, not only will an individual application of antimicrobial agent occur, but a synergistic effect may also be initiated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a graph showing synergy between a general purpose hand washing and hand washing for health care personnel. Figure 2 is a graph showing the synergy evaluation between a general purpose hand wash and a surgical scrub. Figure 3 is a graph showing the evaluation of synergy between a general purpose hand wash and a waterless hand rinse. Figure 4 is a graph showing the synergy evaluation between a general purpose hand wash plus a hand lotion. Figure 5 is a graph showing the evaluation of synergy between hand washing for health care personnel and surgical scrubbing. Figure 6 is a graph showing the synergy evaluation between a hand wash for health care personnel and a hand rinse without water. Figure 7 is a graph showing the evaluation of synergy between a hand washing for health care personnel and a hand lotion.

Figure 8 is a graph showing the evaluation of synergy between a surgical scrub and a hand rinse without water. Figure 9 is a graph showing the synergy evaluation between a surgical scrub and a hand lotion. Figure 10 is a graph showing the Dermal Synergy of a Waterless Hands Rinse Plus Hand Lotion. Figure 11 is a graph showing the synergy evaluation between a commercially available general purpose antimicrobial hand wash and a commercially available surgical scrub. Figure 12 is a graph showing the synergy evaluation between a commercially available general purpose antimicrobial hand wash and a commercially available hand rinse with alcohol. Figure 13 is a graph showing the synergy evaluation between a commercially available hand washing for health care personnel and a commercially available surgical scrub. Figure 14 is a graph showing the synergy evaluation between a commercially available surgical scrub and a commercially available alcohol hand rinse. Figure 15 is a graph showing a non-synergistic effect between a commercially available hand rinse with alcohol and a commercially available dermal lotion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In various fields, the term 'synergy' has specific and defined meanings. Within the practice of the present invention, in the field of antimicrobial activity, the term refers specifically to the fact that in the calculation of the values and their display in graphs, as shown in the figures briefly described above, the synergy it is displayed and defined by a negative number on the graph, neutrality is shown by a value of zero and antagonistic behavior is shown by a positive number on the graph. This definition is consistent with traditional practice within the field. In the graphic representations, each point on the graph represents varying concentrations of two combined compositions, as described later in the Examples and data in greater detail. The present invention relates to single-use compositions and compositions for sequential use for the treatment of skin and / or hair, which provide antimicrobial synergistic effects. The sequential compositions can be used in any sequence of the at least two separate compositions, and synergistic antimicrobial effects will be provided. The individual compositions can be provided, for example, as soaps, scrubbing solutions, humectants, lubricating solutions (such as for ease of application of gloves on the hands), cleaning solutions, sterilization applications, presurgical washes, multiple washing sets, and any other skin treatment that may be applicable to health care, veterinary care, or food processing / food service industries. Equipment can also be provided where at least two different compositions, synergistically interactive, can be provided in a single application station (washbasin, scrubbing room, shower or bathroom, entrance to the room, exit from the room, emergency room, admission room, treatment room, x-ray room, kitchen, and the like), or separate and different compositions can be diffused around the various different application stations. The compositions can be provided as a kit, the various different synergistic compositions being provided within a single package. As the Triclosan is used in synergistic combination with each of the other compositions (including a composition of Triclosan with higher concentrations, for example, of more than 0.3%), the equipment could be provided with proportion between the various compositions, such as the provisioning of the composition of Triclosan in the equipment in an amount of at least 1.5 times the amount of any other individual composition. More than two compositions may be provided in each kit, with different antimicrobial compositions and ingredients being provided in the various products. For example, a liquid soap of general application may have at least 0.1% Triclosan, a humectant may have chlorhexidine gluconate, a rubbing solution may have alcohol, a post-operative treatment may have more than 0.3% (per example, at least 0.35%, at least 0.4% or at least 0.5%) of Triclosan, and the like. Individual soaps can be provided with each of the ingredients, with recommendations as to the sequence (although synergistic performance is not required, it may be desirable to have the composition containing alcohol applied before the wetting composition as a matter of common sense) . Accordingly, the invention can also be practiced by the ratio of a washing station having at least two washing compositions available for use, said at least two washing compositions being selected from the group consisting of: a) a washing solution comprising Triclosan and another wash solution comprising chlorhexidine gluconate; b) two wash solutions comprising at least 0.1% Triclosan and at least one of said two wash solutions comprises more than 0.3% Triclosan; and c) a wash solution comprising Triclosan and another wash solution comprising an alcohol (e.g., ethanol, i.sopropanol); or more generally a washing station having at least two washing compositions available for use, comprising at least one wash solution 0.1% by weight of Triclosan and selecting another washing solution from the group consisting of: a) a washing solution comprising chlorhexidine gluconate; b) a wash solution comprising Triclosan, comprising more than 0.3% Triclosan; and c) a washing solution comprising an alcohol (e.g., ethanol, isopropanol). The method is for washing a dermal or capillary surface (particularly of a living person or animal) in order to reduce the growth of antimicrobial agents thereon, said method comprising washing said surface with at least two solutions of the order of a first washing solution and then a second washing solution, said washing solutions, first and second, selected from the group consisting of: a) a washing solution comprising Triclosan and another washing solution comprising chlorhexidine gluconate; b) two wash solutions comprising at least 0.1% Triclosan and at least one of said two wash solutions comprises more than 0.3% Triclosan; and c) a wash solution comprising Triclosan and another wash solution comprising an alcohol (e.g., ethanol, isopropanol); or more generally a method by using at least two washing compositions available for use, comprising a wash solution at least 0.1% by weight of Triclosan and selecting another washing solution from the group consisting of: a) a washing solution comprising chlorhexidine gluconate; b) a wash solution comprising Triclosan, comprising more than 0.3% Triclosan; and c) a washing solution comprising an alcohol (e.g., ethanol, isopropanol). It is important to emphasize that, unless specifically identified otherwise, the mention of a composition such as the first, second or third does not limit the order in which they are applied. As noted elsewhere, the various synergistic materials may be applied in any order, whether the individual compositions are listed as first, second, third, fourth or fifth. The composition can be mixed into a single composition to be applied (either by composition by the manufacturer or by mixing in an on-site distributor). The terminology that a composition is liquefiable attempts to include bar soaps, pellets or soluble pieces, powders or other materials that have to be mixed with a liquid (such as tap water) in order to become liquid for application to the skin or hair as a treatment according to the present invention. These and other aspects of the invention will be described further in the following non-limiting examples. In the following examples, the following Trademark materials are used: The various classes of antimicrobial compounds, such as aliphatic phenol derivatives, antimicrobially active cationic species, alcohols (e.g., methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, iso-propanol, isobutanol, etc.) and the like, are fairly well understood compounds in the art. Matter and well recognized as a class within the subject.

EXAMPLES The following non-limiting examples provide assistance in the training of a person skilled in the art to prepare and use the invention and describe what the inventors consider to be the best mode of practicing the invention. The Examples try to be instructive and not limiting, being exemplary and not limiting in the use of materials, times, conditions and other parameters used within the Examples. The aim of the examples was to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of EPP Endure ™ Hand Care Products (Endure ™ 100, Bacti-Stat Plus ™, Scrub Stat 4 ™, Cida ™ Rinse Gel, and Endure ™ 500 ), then determine any synergistic relationship between the products. The examination was conducted against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Escherichia coli AT CC 1 1229 and Staphylococcus aureus HL 121 resistant to methicillin. Test Method: The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration Method (MIC) used in the Examples is as follows: 1. Each test substance was diluted in 10 mL of fluid medium of specific nutrients for the test system, prepared at a 2X concentration to obtain an initial concentration of 1: 2 of the test substance. 2. A series of 1: 2 dilutions were made in 10 mL of nutrient fluid medium, starting with the initial concentration of 1: 2 and ending with a final concentration of 1: 1024 of the substance (test. a 24-hour fluid medium culture of the test system containing ~108 CFU / mL in fluid medium of nutrients to obtain ~107 CFU / mL 4. Each 10 mL test tube (hereinafter referred to merely as a "tube") containing the varying concentrations of the product, was inoculated with 0.1 mL of the suspension of the test system to obtain ~105 CFU / mL of the test system in the test tube. were observed for development after an incubation period of 24 hours at the appropriate temperature for the test system 6. MIC is the minimum level of active ingredient necessary for complete inhibition of the growth of the test system. registered as l at minute concentration whose turbidity (growth) was not visually detected in the tube. If all the tubes in a series were cloudy and it was not possible to determine if the turbidity was due to bacterial growth or to the hand soap itself, then those tubes were subcultured for an appropriate growth medium in order to determine the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC). MBC is defined as the minute concentration that showed no survivors. A general overview of the Dermal Synergy Method is as follows: 1. Each test substance was diluted in 50 mL of nutrient fluid medium specific to the test system, prepared at a concentration of 2X to obtain an initial concentration of the test substance of 1: 2. 2. A series of 1: 2 dilutions were made in 50 mL of nutrient fluid medium, starting with the initial concentration of 1: 2 and ending with 2X the MIC / MBC for the specific product and organism (ie for a MIC of 1:16, a dilution of 1: 8 would be prepared). 3. Each 2X concentration was combined in sequence; represented by the table below. The following product combinations were examined: A + B, A + C, A + D, A + E, B + C, B + D, B + E, C + D, C + E and D + E. (1aletra + 2a letter + 2X half fluid nutrient) mL of product combination / 2X medium nutrient fluid was presented in each tube. 4. A 24-hour fluid medium culture of the test system containing ~108 CFU / mL in a nutrient fluid medium was diluted to obtain ~107 CFU / mL. 5. Each 10 mL tube containing the 5 variant concentrations of the product was inoculated with 0.1 mL of the suspension of the test system in order to obtain ~105 CFU / mL of the test system in the test tube. 6. Growth was observed in the test tubes after an incubation period of 24 hours at the appropriate temperature for the test system. 7. The MIC is the minimum level of active ingredient necessary for the complete inhibition of the growth of the test system. The MIC was recorded as the negligible concentration at which it was not visually detected turbidity (growth) some in the tube. If all the tubes in a series were cloudy and it was not possible to determine if the turbidity was due to the growth of bacteria or to the hand soap itself, then those tubes were subcultured in a growth medium appropriate to determine the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC). MBC is defined as the minute concentration that does not show survivors.

PARAMETERS OF THE METHOD: Identification of the Sample: Concentrations: 1: 2 through 1: 131, 172 Test Systems: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 Escherichia coli ATCC 1 1229 Staphylococcus aureus HL 121 Methicillin Resistant MIC Subculture Medium: Nutrient Fluid Medium AOAC MBC Subculture Medium: Tryptone Glucose Extract (TGE) Agar Test Temperature: Environment (22-26 ° C) Subculture Method: Shock Plate Technique Incubation: 37 ° C for 24 hours (MIC) 37 ° C for 48 hours (MBC ) RESULTS: MIC values of individual organisms for each product. Numbers of inoculum (CFU / mL) System of AB Average Test Staphylococcus 37 x 10 * 18 x 10B 2.8 x 10 'aureus ATCC 6538 Escherichia coli 60 x 106 78 x 106 6.9 x 107 ATCC 1 1229 Staphylococcus 8 x 106 15 x 106 1 .2 x 107 aureus HL 121 Methicillin Resistant Staohylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 Escherichia coli ATCC 11229 Staphylococcus aureus HL 121 Resistant to Methicillin Dermal Synergy: Inoculation numbers (CFU / mL) B + C, B + E, C + E Innoculum Numbers (CFU / mL) B + D, C + D Innoculum Numbers (CFU / mL) A + B, A + C, A + D Innoculum Numbers (CFU / mL) A + E, D + E Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538: Combination A + B Escherichia coli ATCC 11229: Combination A + B Staohviococcus aureus HL 121 Resistant to Metaciiina: Combination A + B Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538: Combination A + C Escherichia coli ATCC 11229: Combination A + C Staphylococcus aureus HL 121 Resistant to Metacillin: Combination A + C Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538: Combination A + D Escherichia coli ATCC 11229: Combination A + D Staphylococcus aureus HL 121 Resistant to Metacillin: Combination A + D Staohylococcus aureus ATCC 6538: Combination A + E Escherichia coli ATCC 11229: Combination A + E Staphylococcus aureus HL 121 Resistant to Metacillin: Combination A + E Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538: Combination B + C Escherichia coli ATCC 11229: Combination B + C Staphylococcus aureus HL 121 Resistant to Metacillin: Combination B + C Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538: Combination B + D Escherichia coli ATCC 11229: Combination B + D Staohylococcus aureus HL 121 Resistant to Metaciiina: Combination B + D Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538: Combination B + E Escherichia coli ATCC 11229: Combination B + E Staohylococcus aureus HL 121 Resistant to Metacillin: Combination B + E Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538: Combination C + D Escherichia coli ATCC 11229: Combination C + D Staohylococcus aureus HL 121 Resistant to Metacillin: Combination C + D Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538: Combination C + E Escherichia coli ATCC 11229: Combination C + E Staohylococcus aureus HL 121 Resistant to Metacillin: Combination C + E Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538: Combination D + E Escherichia coli ATCC 11229: Combination D + E Staohylococcus aureus HL 121 Resistant to Metacillin: Combination D + E CONCLUSIONS: The general conclusions are deduced through the use of all organism data: Endure ™ 100, in combination with Bacti-Stat ™ Plus demonstrated synergy. Therefore, 0.2% Triclosan and 1% Triclosan demonstrated synergy. Endure ™ 100, in combination with Scrub-Stat ™ 4 demonstrated synergy. Accordingly, 0.2% Triclosan and 4% Chlorhexidine Gluconate demonstrated synergy. Endure ™ 100, in combination with Cida-Rinse ™ Gel demonstrated synergy. Therefore, 0.2% Triclosan and 70% Ethanol demonstrated synergy. Endure ™ 100, in combination with Endure ™ 500 showed no synergy or antagonism. Therefore, 0.2% Triclosan and 0.3% Triclosan showed no synergy or antagonism. Bact-Stat Plus, in combination with Scrub-Stat TM It showed synergy. Accordingly, 1% Triclosan and 4% Chlorhexidine Gluconate demonstrated synergy. Bact-Stat ™ Plus, in combination with Cida-Rinse ™ Gel demonstrated synergy. Therefore, 1% of TM Triclosan and 70% of Ethanol demonstrated synergy. Bact-Stat Plus, in combination with Endure ™ 500 demonstrated synergy. Therefore, 1% Triclosan and 0.3% Triclosan demonstrated synergy. Scrub-Stat ™ 4, in combination with Cida-Rinse ™ Gel demonstrated synergy. Accordingly, 4% Chlorhexidine Gluconate and 70% Ethanol demonstrated synergy. Scrub-Stat ™ 4, in combination with Endure ™ 500 demonstrated synergy. Therefore, 4% Chlorhexidine Gluconate and 0.3% Triclosan demonstrated synergy. Cida-Rinse ™ Gel, in combination with Endure ™ 500 demonstrated synergy. Therefore, 70% Ethanol and 0.3% Triclosan demonstrated synergy. The above data from the examples are compelling evidence that not all possible combinations of antimicrobial dermal treatments will provide a synergistic interaction and that the specific combinations recited in the description of the present invention provide significant synergistic antimicrobial activity. For example, the combination of wash compositions of 0.2% Triclosan and 0.3% Triclosan showed no synergy, while the combination of 0.1% Triclosan and 1% Triclosan provided synergy, leading to the defined limitation of at least 0.1% in one composition and more than 0.3%, at least 0.35%, at least 0.4% or at least 0.5% in another composition as a standard for synergy in only Triclosan combinations of antimicrobial compositions (or combinations of two compositions of Triclosan with one third or fourth composition of other antimicrobial compounds). Accordingly, combinations of Triclosan-only compositions may comprise, for example, a Triclosan composition with at least 0.1% by weight Triclosan and a second solution comprising more than 0.3% Triclosan, such as at least 0.35% Triclosan. , preferably at least 0.5% Triclosan, at least 0.7% Triclosan, at least 1% Triclosan and the like. Each of the classes of synergistic compositions described as within the scope of the present invention has reasonably demonstrated to exhibit at least some synergistic activity when used in controlled environments. As noted above, the compositions can be provided in sets of materials that can be supplied to a consumer so that the various materials can be used at a single site within a location used by the consumer or at various different sites through a single location operated by the consumer. For example, combined equipment or packages having the various compositions in adjusted proportions may be provided within the equipment or package. For example, in a medical treatment environment, the package may contain one or more of a general purpose antimicrobial wash composition, an antimicrobial dermal treatment composition, an antimicrobial pediatric wash composition, an antimicrobial wash for isolation areas, a composition of pre-scrubbing prior to antimicrobial surgery, an antimicrobial wash composition after surgery and a post-work antimicrobial wash composition (to prevent microbes from being extracted from the medical environment). Based on the inventive compositions and assuming, for purposes of exemplification only, that the general purpose washing solution or composition, available in sinks, is a liquid composition or bar soap comprising at least 0.1% Triclosan, that general-purpose composition would be provided in volumes that are multiples of the other materials provided. Given the desire to provide a combination of materials selected from the group consisting of: a) a washing solution comprising Triclosan and another washing solution comprising chlorhexidine gluconate; b) two wash solutions comprising at least 0.1% Triclosan and at least one of said two wash solutions comprises more than 0.3% Triclosan; and c) a wash solution comprising Triclosan and another wash solution comprising an alcohol (e.g., ethanol, isopropanol); or more generally, a washing station having at least two washing compositions available for use, with a washing solution comprising at least 0.1% by weight of Triclosan and the other washing solution being selected from the group consisting of: a ) a washing composition or solution comprising chlorhexidine gluconate; b) a wash solution or composition comprising Triclosan, comprising more than 0.3% Triclosan; and c) a washing solution or composition comprising an alcohol (e.g., ethanol or isopropanol); the equipment or package could contain five units (e.g., 5 liters) of the general washing composition, two units (e.g., 2 liters) of the surgical scrubbing composition, three units of the dermal treatment composition, one unit of the composition of surgical pre-scrubbing and two units of the washing composition after surgery. Accordingly, one of the formats for the presentation of the compositions of the present invention would comprise a kit or package containing at least two compositions that interact in a synergistic relationship for antimicrobial effects (the combination of the at least two compositions being referred to herein). as a synergistic composition), the proportions of one of the two compositions forming the synergistic composition being presented in an amount that is at least twice, at least three times, at least four times, or at least five times the volume of a second of the compositions that form the synergistic composition. For example, the package may contain ten units of a general wash solution with at least about 0.1% Triclosan and at least one unit, but less than five units of at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four. or at least five different antimicrobial compositions, each of which (or at least some of which) comes from synergistic combinations with the general wash composition. Accordingly, a format could comprise a package having at least ten units (for example, where it is provided as a liquid, the most likely proportion format, the units would be in volume) of a general washing composition or a composition of special washing comprising at least 0.1% Triclosan and at least one additional composition in an amount of less than ten units, the additional composition comprising less than ten units of at least one and even up to ten variations of one or more compositions comprising: a ) a washing composition or solution comprising chlorhexidine gluconate; b) a wash solution or composition comprising Triclosan comprising more than 0.3% Triclosan; and c) a washing solution or composition comprising an alcohol (e.g., ethanol or isopropanol).

Claims (56)

1. CLAIMS 1. A composition for the treatment of the skin, characterized in that it contains at least two separate compositions, the compositions comprising: a first washing composition containing at least about 0.1% aliphatic antimicrobial phenol derivative; and a rinse composition containing alcohol; the first washing composition and the rinse composition causing a synergistic decrease in the minimum bactericidal or minimal inhibitory concentration against at least two of S. aureus ATCC 6538, E. coli ATCC 1 1229 or S. aureus HL 121 resistant to methicillin. The composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the aliphatic antimicrobial phenol derivative comprises Triclosan, p-chloroxylenol or Triclocarban. 3. The composition according to claim 2, characterized in that the first wash composition contains 0.2% or 1% Triclosan. 4. The composition according to claim 3, characterized in that the alcohol comprises 1-4 carbon atoms. 5. The composition according to claim 4, characterized in that the alcohol comprises ethanol or isopropanol. 6. The composition according to claim 5, characterized in that the rinse composition contains 70% ethanol. The composition according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a second washing composition containing a higher antimicrobial aliphatic phenol derivative concentration than in the first washing composition; the first washing composition and the second washing composition causing a synergistic decrease in minimum bactericidal or minimal inhibitory concentration against at least two of S. aureus ATCC 6538, E. coli ATCC 1 1229 or S. aureus HL 121 resistant to methicillin . The composition according to claim 7, characterized in that the aliphatic antimicrobial phenol derivative comprises Triclosan, the first washing composition comprises 0.1%, 0.2% or 0.3% Triclosan and the second washing composition comprises 1% Triclosan. The composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the first washing composition comprises a wetting composition. The composition according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a third washing composition containing an antimicrobially active cationic species. eleven . The composition according to claim 10, characterized in that the first washing composition and the third washing composition cause a synergistic decrease in the minimum bactericidal or minimum inhibitory concentration against at least two of S. aureus ATCC 6538, E. coli ATCC 1 1229 or S. aureus HL 121 resistant to methicillin. The composition according to claim 10, characterized in that the rinsing composition and the third washing composition cause a synergistic decrease in minimum or minimum inhibitory bactericidal concentration against at least two of S. aureus ATCC 6538, E. coli ATCC 1 1229 or S. aureus HL 121 resistant to methicillin. The composition according to claim 12, characterized in that the third washing composition contains 4% chlorhexidine gluconate. The composition according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises a humectant composition containing an aliphatic antimicrobial phenol derivative. The composition according to claim 14, characterized in that the aliphatic antimicrobial phenol derivative comprises Triclosan, the wetting composition contains 0.1 or 0.3% Triclosan, the first wash composition contains 1% Triclosan; and the first washing composition and the wetting composition cause a synergistic decrease in minimal or minimum inhibitory bactericidal concentration against at least two of S. aureus ATCC 6538, E. coli ATCC 1 1229 or methicillin-resistant S. aureus HL 121. The composition according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a single package containing the first washing composition and the rinsing composition. 17. A composition for the treatment of the skin, characterized in that it contains at least two separate compositions, the compositions comprising: a first washing composition containing at least about 0.1% aliphatic phenol derivative antimicrobial; and a second washing composition containing a concentration of aliphatic antimicrobial phenol derivative higher than in the first washing composition; the first washing composition and the second washing composition causing a synergistic decrease in minimum bactericidal or minimal inhibitory concentration against at least two of S. aureus ATCC 6538, E. coli ATCC 1 1229 or S. aureus HL 121 resistant to methicillin . The composition according to claim 17, characterized in that the aliphatic antimicrobial phenol derivative comprises Triclosan, p-chloroxylenol or Triclocarban. 19. The composition according to claim 18, characterized in that the first wash composition contains 0.1% Triclosan and the second wash composition contains more than 0.3% Triclosan. The composition according to claim 19, characterized in that the second washing composition contains 1% Triclosan. twenty-one . The composition according to claim 18, characterized in that the first washing composition contains at least about 0.1% up to 0.3% Triclosan and the second washing composition contains 1% Triclosan. 22. The composition according to claim 21, characterized in that the first washing composition contains 0.1%, 0.2% or 0.3% of Triclosan. 23. The composition according to claim 1 7, characterized in that the first wash composition comprises a wetting composition. The composition according to claim 17, characterized in that it further comprises a rinsing composition containing an alcohol. The composition according to claim 24, characterized in that the first washing composition and the rinsing composition cause a synergistic decrease in the minimum bactericidal or minimal inhibitory concentration against at least two of S. aureus ATCC 6538, E. coli ATCC 1 1229 or S. aureus HL 121 resistant to methicillin. 26. The composition according to claim 24, characterized in that the second washing composition and the rinse composition cause a synergistic decrease in minimal or minimum inhibitory bactericidal concentration against at least two of S. aureus ATCC 6538, E. coli ATCC 1 1229 or S. aureus HL 121 resistant to methicillin. 27. The composition according to claim 24, characterized in that the rinse composition contains 70% ethanol. The composition according to claim 27, characterized in that it also comprises a third washing composition containing an antimicrobially active cationic species. 29. The composition according to claim 28, characterized in that the first washing composition and the third washing composition cause a synergistic decrease in minimum bactericidal or minimal inhibitory concentration against at least two of S. aureus ATCC 6538, E. coli ATCC 1 1229 or S. aureus HL 121 resistant to methicillin. 30. The composition according to claim 28, characterized in that the second washing composition and the third washing composition cause a synergistic decrease in minimal or minimum inhibitory bactericidal concentration against at least two of S. aureus ATCC 6538, E. coli ATCC 1 1229 or S. aureus HL 121 resistant to methicillin. 31 The composition according to claim 28, characterized in that the third washing composition contains 4% chlorhexidine gluconate. 32. The composition according to claim 17, characterized in that it further comprises a humectant composition containing an antimicrobial aliphatic phenol derivative. The composition according to claim 32, characterized in that the antimicrobial aliphatic phenol derivative comprises Triclosan, the wetting composition contains 0.1 or 0.3% Triclosan, the second wash composition contains 1% Triclosan; the second washing composition and the wetting composition causing a synergistic decrease in minimum bactericidal or minimal inhibitory concentration against at least two of S. aureus ATCC 6538, E. coli ATCC 1 1229 or S. aureus HL 121 resistant to methicillin. 34. The composition according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a single package containing the first washing composition and the rinsing composition. 35. A composition for treating the skin, characterized in that it contains at least two separate compositions, the compositions comprising:, a first wash composition containing at least about 0.1% aliphatic phenol antimicrobial derivative; and a third wash composition containing an antimicrobially active cationic species; the first washing composition and the third washing composition causing a synergistic decrease in minimum bactericidal or minimal inhibitory concentration against at least two of S. aureus ATCC 6538, E. coli ATCC 1 1229 or S. aureus HL 121 resistant to methicillin. 36. The composition according to claim 35, characterized in that the aliphatic antimicrobial phenol derivative comprises Triclosan, p-chloroxylenol or Triclocarban. 37. The composition according to claim 36, characterized in that the first wash composition containing Triclosan comprises 0.2% or 1% Triclosan. 38. The composition according to claim 35, characterized in that the cationic antimicrobially active species comprises chlorhexidine gluconate. 39. The composition according to claim 38, characterized in that the third washing composition contains 4% chlorhexidine gluconate. 40. The composition according to claim 35, characterized in that it further comprises a second washing composition containing a higher antimicrobial aliphatic phenol derivative concentration than in the first washing composition.; the first washing composition and the second composition causing a synergistic decrease in minimal or minimum inhibitory bactericidal concentration against at least two of S. aureus ATCC 6538, E. coli ATCC 1 1229 or S. aureus HL 121 resistant to methicillin. 41 The composition according to claim 40, characterized in that the aliphatic antimicrobial phenol derivative comprises Triclosan, the first washing composition contains 0.1%, 0.2% or 0.3% Triclosan, the second washing composition contains 1% Triclosan. 42. The composition according to claim 40, characterized in that the third washing composition and the second washing composition cause a synergistic decrease in minimum bactericidal or minimal inhibitory concentration against at least two of S. aureus ATCC 6538, E. coli ATCC 1 1229 or S. aureus HL 121 resistant to methicillin. 43. The composition according to claim 35, characterized in that it further comprises a rinsing composition containing an alcohol. 44. The composition according to claim 43, characterized in that the first washing composition and the rinsing composition cause a synergistic decrease in minimal or minimum inhibitory bactericidal concentration against at least two of S. aureus ATCC 6538, E. coli ATCC 1 1229 or S. aureus HL 121 resistant to methicillin. 45. The composition according to claim 43, characterized in that the third washing composition and the rinsing composition cause a synergistic decrease in minimum bactericidal or minimal inhibitory concentration against at least two of S. aureus ATCC 6538, E. coli ATCC 1 1229 or S. aureus HL 1 21 resistant to methicillin. 46. The composition according to claim 43, characterized in that the rinse composition contains 70% ethanol. 47. The composition according to claim 35, characterized in that it further comprises a humectant composition containing an aliphatic antimicrobial phenol derivative. 48. The composition according to claim 47, characterized in that the antimicrobial aliphatic phenol derivative comprises Triclosan, the wetting composition contains 0.1 or 0.3% Triclosan, the first wash composition contains 1% Triclosan; and the first washing composition and the wetting composition cause a synergistic decrease in minimum bactericidal or minimal inhibitory concentration against at least two of S. aureus ATCC 6538, E. coli ATCC 1 1229 or S. aureus HL 121 resistant to methicillin 49 The composition according to claim 35, characterized in that it also comprises a single package containing the first washing composition and the rinsing composition. 50. A composition for the treatment of the skin, characterized in that it contains at least two separate compositions, the compositions comprising: a fourth washing composition containing at least about 0.1% aliphatic antimicrobial phenol derivative; and a wetting composition containing 0.1% or 0.3% aliphatic phenol antimicrobial derivative; , the fourth washing composition and the wetting composition resulting in a synergistic decrease in minimal or minimum inhibitory bactericidal concentration against at least two of S. aureus ATCC 6538, E. coli ATCC 1 1229 or S. aureus HL 121 resistant to methicillin. 51 A composition for the treatment of the skin, characterized in that it contains at least two separate compositions, the compositions comprising: a third washing composition containing an antimicrobially active cationic species; and a rinse composition containing alcohol; the third washing composition and rinsing composition causing a synergistic decrease in minimum bactericidal or minimal inhibitory concentration against at least two of S. aureus ATCC 6538, E. coli ATCC 1 1229 or S. aureus HL 121 resistant to methicillin. 52. The composition according to claim 51, characterized in that the alcohol comprises 1-4 carbon atoms. 53. The composition according to claim 52, characterized in that the alcohol comprises ethanol or isopropanol. 54. The composition according to claim 53, characterized in that the rinse composition contains 70% ethanol. 55. The composition according to claim 51, characterized in that the cationic antimicrobially active species comprises chlorhexidine gluconate. 56. The composition according to claim 55, characterized in that the third washing composition contains 4% chlorhexidine gluconate.