irrigant

An irrigant is a liquid used to flush, rinse, or cleanse a body cavity, wound, surgical field, or dental canal. Irrigants serve to remove debris, dilute or kill contaminants, reduce microbial load, and aid in healing or procedural performance. They are employed across medical, dental, and agricultural contexts, and may also deliver medications locally.

In medical and surgical practice, common irrigants include sterile normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride), sterile water, and balanced salt solutions such as Ringer’s or lactated Ringer’s. Antiseptic irrigants, such as dilute povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine solutions, are used in certain settings but require careful selection due to potential tissue toxicity. Hydrogen peroxide is used in some wound-care protocols but is avoided in some deep tissues because of cytotoxicity at higher concentrations. The choice of irrigant depends on tissue compatibility, antimicrobial efficacy, dilution effects, and the goal of the procedure.

In dentistry and endodontics, specific irrigants target root canal disinfection and tissue dissolution. Sodium hypochlorite is widely used to dissolve organic tissue and kill bacteria; ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is used to remove inorganic smear layers; chlorhexidine or saline may be used as alternatives or adjuncts in different protocols.

In agriculture and horticulture, irrigants refer to fluids used in irrigation systems, including plain water or nutrient solutions designed to deliver fertilizers and other additives to crops. Safety considerations emphasize appropriate concentrations, compatibility with systems and crops, and environmental disposal.

See also irrigation, wound care, endodontics.