Antimicrobial compositions, especially those useful when applied topically,particularly to mucosal tissues (i.e., mucous membranes), including a cationicantiseptic such as biguanides and bisbiguanides such as chlorhexidine and itsvarious salts including but not limited to the digluconate, diacetate,dimethosulfate, and dilactate salts； polymeric quaternary ammonium compoundssuch as polyhexamethylenebiguanide； silver and various silver complexes； smallmolecule quaternary ammonium compounds such as benzalkoium chloride and alkylsubstituted derivatives； di-long chain alkyl (C8-C18) quaternary ammoniumcompounds； cetylpyridinium halides and their derivatives； benzethoniumchloride and its alkyl substituted derivatives； and octenidine. Thecompositions can also include an enhancer component, a surfactant, ahydrophobic component, and/or a hydrophilic component. Such compositionsprovide effective topical antimicrobial activity and are accordingly useful inthe treatment and/or prevention of conditions that are caused, or aggravatedby, microorganisms (including viruses).
