Compositions and methods for treating body malodor and fungal overgrowth in mammals

The present invention is concerned with antimicrobial compositions suitable for bacteriostatic/bacteriocidal and fungistatic/fungicidal applications. Anticholinergic quaternary amine compounds are not known for their activity as antimicrobial agents, but have been determined as presenting a substantial benefit while exhibiting significantly reduced toxic effects over conventional treatments. Anticholinergic quaternary amine compounds are incorporated in an excipient matrix, at concentrations of from about 0.001% to about 10.0% (within an order of magnitude) either alone or in combination with conventional antifungal/antibacteriological agents. Anticholinergic quaternary amine compounds have antimicrobial pharmaceutical efficacy as well as the ability to enhance, accelerate and assist antimicrobial activity of other conventional preparations. Methods of use include suitability for body deodorization compositions, anti fungal compounds and treatments for common microbial infections and physiological manifestations of bacterial colonization, such as body malodor.