chlorhexidine topical (OTC)

Brand and Other Names:Betasept, Hibiclens, more...Hibistat, Exidine, BioScrub, Dyna-Hex

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

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

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Interactions

Interaction Checker

and chlorhexidine topical

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      Serious - Use Alternative

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            Contraindicated (0)

              Serious - Use Alternative (1)

              • allogeneic cultured keratinocytes and fibroblasts

                chlorhexidine topical decreases effects of allogeneic cultured keratinocytes and fibroblasts by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Chlorhexidine topical antiseptic has been shown to be toxic to keratinocytes and human dermal fibroblasts.

              Monitor Closely (0)

                Minor (0)

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                  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)

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                  Warnings

                  Contraindications

                  Hypersensitivity

                  Cautions

                  External use only

                  Avoid contact with eyes, ears, and mucous membranes; immediately rinse with cold water if contact occurs

                  If product inadvertently comes in contact with eyes, immediately flush with cool water for 15 minutes and contact a physician

                  If this product is inadvertently swallowed, contact a physician and/or poison control center immediately

                  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

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                  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.

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                  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

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                  Images

                  BRAND FORM. UNIT PRICE PILL IMAGE
                  Hibiclens topical
                  -
                  4 % liquid
                  Hibiclens topical
                  -
                  4 % liquid
                  Hibiclens topical
                  -
                  4 % liquid
                  Hibiclens topical
                  -
                  4 % liquid
                  Hibiclens topical
                  -
                  4 % liquid
                  Hibiclens topical
                  -
                  4 % liquid
                  Hibiclens topical
                  -
                  4 % liquid
                  Hibiclens topical
                  -
                  4 % liquid
                  Peridex mucous membrane
                  -
                  0.12 % liquid
                  Peridex mucous membrane
                  -
                  0.12 % liquid
                  Betasept Surgical Scrub topical
                  -
                  4 % liquid
                  Betasept Surgical Scrub topical
                  -
                  4 % liquid
                  Betasept Surgical Scrub topical
                  -
                  4 % liquid
                  Betasept Surgical Scrub topical
                  -
                  4 % liquid
                  Betasept Surgical Scrub topical
                  -
                  4 % liquid
                  Periogard mucous membrane
                  -
                  0.12 % liquid
                  Periogard mucous membrane
                  -
                  0.12 % liquid
                  Periogard mucous membrane
                  -
                  0.12 % liquid
                  Paroex Oral Rinse
                  -
                  0.12 % liquid
                  chlorhexidine gluconate mouth and throat
                  -
                  0.12 % liquid
                  chlorhexidine gluconate mouth and throat
                  -
                  0.12 % liquid
                  chlorhexidine gluconate mouth and throat
                  -
                  0.12 % liquid
                  chlorhexidine gluconate topical
                  -
                  2 % miscellaneous
                  chlorhexidine gluconate topical
                  -
                  4 % liquid
                  chlorhexidine gluconate topical
                  -
                  4 % liquid

                  Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.

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                  Patient Education
                  chlorhexidine gluconate mouth and throat

                  CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE RINSE - ORAL

                  (khlor-HEX-i-deen GLOO-koe-nate)

                  COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Peridex, Periogard

                  USES: This medication is used along with regular tooth brushing/flossing to treat gingivitis, a gum disease that causes red, swollen, and easily bleeding gums. Chlorhexidine belongs to a class of drugs known as antimicrobials. It works by decreasing the amount of bacteria in the mouth, helping to reduce swelling and redness of the gums and bleeding when you brush.

                  HOW TO USE: Rinse your mouth with the solution after brushing your teeth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (after breakfast and at bedtime).Measure 1/2 ounce (15 milliliters) of the solution using the supplied measuring cup. Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds, and then spit it out.Do not swallow the solution or mix it with any other substance. After using chlorhexidine, wait at least 30 minutes before rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash, brushing your teeth, eating, or drinking.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. It may take up to 6 weeks to see the full benefits of using this medication.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

                  SIDE EFFECTS: Tooth/tongue staining, increased tartar, mouth/throat irritation, dry mouth, and change in taste of food/drinks may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.To decrease staining of teeth and mouth surfaces, brush with toothpaste 3 times daily, brushing more on the stained areas. Use of a "tartar control" toothpaste and electric toothbrush may be more effective. See your dentist at least every 6 months for tooth cleaning/tartar removal. Staining from this medication that may occur on dental work (such as crowns or veneers) usually can only be removed by a dentist/hygienist. To decrease the effect on how food tastes, eat first, followed by tooth brushing and then chlorhexidine rinse.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor or dentist has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: mouth or skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

                  PRECAUTIONS: Before using chlorhexidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: dental crowns, veneers, or fillings (especially if on the front teeth and if made of porcelain).Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

                  DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

                  OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

                  NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Keep all medical/dental appointments so that your progress can be followed. Consult your doctor/dentist for more details.

                  MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is close to a mealtime or near the time for the next dose. In those cases, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

                  STORAGE: Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

                  Information last revised May 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.

                  IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

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                  Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.