Olanexidine [1-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-5-octylbiguanide] (formerly OPB-2045), an antimicrobial agent exhibited antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria, especially Gram-positive bacteria, was synthesized in 1997. To optimize its use as a topical antiseptic, olanexidine was converted to the gluconate salt. The resulting formulation (OPB) had more potent bactericidal activity against methicillin-resistant S. aureus and vancomycin-resistant enterococci in both in vitro and in vivo animal models than chlorhexidine and PVP-I. The mechanism of action was considered to be follows: olanexidine binds to the cell membrane, disrupts membrane integrity, and exerts its bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities by causing the irreversible leakage of intracellular components. At relatively high concentrations, olanexidine aggregates the cells through a protein-denaturing effect.

Picloxydine is a heterocyclic biguanide with antibacterial and antiplaque activity. 0.4% Picloxydine produces a highly significant drop in the number of aerobic organisms. 0.4% Picloxydine is far more effective than 0.2% Picloxydine or chlorhexidine in reducing the total viable count of oral aerobic and anaerobic organisms. It is used to treat superficial eye infections. Picloxydine is also used in eye drops in the topical therapy of trachoma. This drug can cause side effects - local intolerance reactions (temporary irritation, allergic reactions).

Nifuroxime is anti-infective agent used in protozoal & fungal infections. The combination of furazolidone and nifuroxime in vaginal suppositories and vaginal insufflation powder was found to be an effective trichomonacidal compound. Nifuroxime was marketed under the brand name Nifurat, Nifurat consists of Attapulgite and Nifuroxime. Nifurat is an oral, nonabsorbed medication that is used in the management of diarrhea. It works by adsorbing (binding) large numbers of bacteria and toxins and reducing the loss of water. Nifurat reduces the number of bowel movements, improves the consistency of loose or watery stools, and relieves the gastrointestinal cramping that often is associated with diarrhea. Used for: Nifurat is used for the short-term treatment of diarrhea. Nifuroxime is proposed as a radiosensitizing agent with solid tumors.

Amylmetacresol (AMC) is an antiseptic used to treat infections of the mouth and throat. It is used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient in Strepsils, Gorpils and Lorsept throat lozenges. It was shown that the presence of amylmetacresol, dichloro-benzylalcohol and lidocaine block of inward sodium current.

Phanquone is an orthoquinone that is the 5,6-diketo derivative of 4,7-phenanthroline. It derives from a hydride of a 4,7-phenanthroline. Phanquone (Entobex) is an anti-mycotic drug with anti-protozoal activity. Phanquone is active against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. Phanquone partically inhibited oxygen consumption by Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. It was also tried on cases of rheumatoid diseases.

Fenticlor is an aryl sulfide having two 5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl groups attached to sulfur. Fenticlor is an antibacterial and antifungal agent for topical use. Since it may cause photosensitivity, it is nowadays mostly used in veterinary medicine. Fenticlor has been used in the treatment of eye and ear infections. The activity of the compound in treating otitis externa has been evaluated by Stride (1962) and in the treatment of various skin mycoses by Jung (1954) and Richter (1950). Due to the extremely low oral toxicity the compound has been used internally in the treatment of deep seated skin infections which are not accessible to external treatment. Fentichlor is bacteriostatic or bactericidal, according to concentration, to Staph. aureus and E. coli. The antifungal and antibacterial properties of fentichlor were discovered in the 1950s and 1960s. The mechanism of action of these properties was later found to involve the inhibition of active transport through an energy-uncoupling mechanism. As a result of these findings, the pharmaceutical importance of including fentichlor in various products rose appreciably in the 1960s. The products containing fentichlor that were manufactured and distributed worldwide included antibacterial and antifungal creams and ointments, hair creams, cosmetics, and hand soaps; however, these products were never extensively used in the United States. The past use of fentichlor as a biocide in water treatment facilities was more common in the United States. The last known products that contained fentichlor in the United States were 2 biocides that were used in water treatment facilities and that were both discontinued in 1993.

Parachlorophenol is a disinfectant effective against most gram-negative organisms, it is currently used in endodontic therapy in a 35 per cent concentration as camphorated parachlorophenol for the disinfection of root canals. It is marketed under the brand name Endotine in France.