Dosing & Uses
Dosing Form & Strengths
liquid/foam
- 0.75%
- 2%
- 4%
lotion
- 1%
swab
- 3.15%
swabsticks
- 2%
- 3.15%
solution
- 2%
towelette
- 0.5% plus isopropyl alcohol 70%/5mL
sponge
- 2%
- 4%
Cleanser & Antiseptic
Indicated as a surgical hand scrub, wound cleanser, and preoperative skin cleanser
Surgical scrub: Scrub for 3 min, rinse and wash for another 3 min
Preoperative skin cleanser: Apply to surgical site and swab for 2 minutes, allow to dry, repeat once
Wound cleaning: Rinse area with water, apply to wound area and wash gently, and then rinse thoroughly
Hand sanitizer: Dispense in palm of one hand, dip fingetips of opposite hand into solution and work it under nails; spread remainder covering all surfaces of above elbow and over hand; repeat on other hand, allow to dry before using gloves
Hand wash: Wash for 15 seconds and rinse
Hand rinse: Rub 15 seconds and rinse
Safety and efficacy not established
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Irritation
Sensitization
Allergic reactions (particularly in genital areas)
Dyspnea
Nasal congestion
Facial edema
Postmarketing Reports
Allergic reaction (wheezing/difficulty breathing, shock, facial swelling, hives, rash)
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Cautions
External use only
Avoid contact with eyes
Serious allergic reactions reported, including anaphylaxis that can occur within minutes presenting as wheezing, difficulty breathing, facial edema, hives, severe rash, or hypotension and shock
Do not use for deep wound cleansing; avoid if wound involves more than superficial skin layers
Hearing loss reported when instilled in middle ear through perforated tympanic membrane
Use with care in premature infants or infants aged <2 months; potential for irritation or chemical burns
Avoid applying over large surfaces
Not for presurgery preparation of face or head
Product may cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms may include, wheezing/ difficulty breathing, shock, facial swelling, hives, and rash; if allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away
High alcohol containing lotions are flammable; keep away from fire or flames
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: B
Lactation: Unknown whether distributed in breast milk, LactMed states no toxicity observed in breastfed infants when topically applied
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Polybiguanide antiseptic and antimicrobial drug with bactericidal activity; at high concentrations of chlorhexidine the cytoplasmic contents of the bacterial cell precipitate and result in cell death
Pharmacokinetics
Duration of antibacterial protection: 6 hr
