UNIT 2 Pharmacology of commonly used antiseptics and disinfectants. Introduction to Antiseptics and Disinfectants Antiseptics and disinfectants are chemical agents used to prevent infection by killing or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. They play a crucial role in infection control in healthcare settings, public health, and everyday hygiene practices. While both antiseptics and disinfectants serve similar purposes, they are used in different contexts and have distinct characteristics. Definitions Key Differences