Chlorhexidine Gluconate

Pronunciation: klor-HEX-ih-deen GLUE-koe-nate
Class: Antiseptic, Germicide, Mouth and throat product

Trade Names

Bactoshield
- Solution 4% with 4% isopropyl alcohol
- Foam 4% with 4% isopropyl alcohol

Bactoshield 2
- Solution 2% with 4% isopropyl alcohol

Betasept
- Liquid 4% with 4% isopropyl alcohol

Biopatch
- Disk, foam; topical 52.5 mg
- Disk, foam; topical 86.8 mg
- Disk, foam; topical 92 mg

Chlorhexidine Gluconate
- Cloth 2%

Dyna-Hex 2 Skin Cleanser
- Liquid 2% with 4% isopropyl alcohol

Dyna-Hex Skin Cleanser
- Liquid 4% with 4% isopropyl alcohol

Exidine-2 Scrub
- Solution 2% with 4% isopropyl alcohol

Exidine-4 Scrub Care
- Solution 4% with 4% isopropyl alcohol

Exidine Skin Cleanser
- Liquid 4% with 4% isopropyl alcohol

Hibistat Germicidal Hand Rinse
- Rinse 0.5% with 70% isopropanol and emollients

Hibistat Towelettes
- Wipes 0.5% with 70% isopropanol

Peridex
- Oral Rinse 0.12%

PerioChip
- Chip 2.5 mg

PerioGard
- Oral Rinse 0.12%

Pharmacology

Provides antimicrobial effect against a wide range of microorganisms.

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Indications and Usage

Surgical scrub; skin cleanser; preoperative skin preparation; skin wound cleanser; hand rinse; oral rinse for gingivitis; an adjunct to scaling and root planning procedures for reduction of pocket depth in adults with periodontitis; as a hydrophilic wound dressing that is used to absorb exudate and cover a wound caused by the use of vascular and non-vascular percutaneous medical devices ( Biopatch only).

Unlabeled Uses

Treatment of acne vulgaris. Amelioration of oral mucositis associated with cytoreductive therapy for bone marrow transplant candidates.

Contraindications

Standard considerations.

Dosage and Administration

5 mL is applied to skin and worked into lather.

Vigorously scrub skin back and forth for 3 min, completely wetting the treatment area, then discard. Allow area to air dry for 1 min; do not rinse.

2.5 mg (1 chip) inserted into periodonted pocket with probing depth at least 5 mm.

15 mL (1 capful) twice daily for 30 sec, morning and evening after brushing teeth. Expectorate after rinsing; do not swallow.

Place the disk around the catheter, making sure the blue grid side is facing upward. The smooth white side should be next to the patient's skin. Secure the catheter and disk to the skin with Bioclusive transparent dressing. Change the disk as necessary in accordance with facility protocol; dressing changes should occur at a minimum of every 7 days.

General Advice

• For oral rinse: swish in mouth for 30 sec after brushing teeth and expectorate.
• Keep medication out of ears, eyes, and mouth. Serious and permanent eye injury and deafness may occur if used improperly.
• Use 1 cloth to cleanse each 161 cm ² dry surgical area (approximately 5 by 5 inches) or each 65 cm ² moist surgical area (approximately 2 by 5 inches).

Storage/Stability

• Do not freeze.
• Store at room temperature (store PerioChip in the refrigerator). Avoid excessive heat about 104°F.
• Prolonged direct exposure to strong light may cause brownish surface discoloration but does not affect action.
• Shake to disperse color.
• Do not throw cloths in toilet or microwave.

Drug Interactions

None well documented.

Laboratory Test Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

Dermatologic

Irritation; dermatitis; photosensitivity; sensitization and generalized allergic reactions, especially in genital area.

EENT

Deafness; transient parotitis; altered taste perception.

Miscellaneous

Staining of teeth and oral surfaces; increased calculus formation; minor irritation and superficial desquamation of oral mucosa.

Precautions

Pregnancy

Category B (oral rinse). Pregnancy category undetermined for topical use.

Lactation

Undetermined.

Children

Do not use cloths in premature or low birthweight infants, infants receiving phototherapy, or children less than 2 mo of age.

Cloths

Do not use for lumbar or in contact with the meninges, on open skin wounds, or as a general skin cleanser.

Overdosage

Symptoms

Gastric distress, alcohol intoxication.

Patient Information

• Inform patient that staining of teeth, dental work, tongue and oral tissue may occur. Staining does not adversely affect health and can usually be removed by professional techniques.
• Caution patient that taste perception may be altered during treatment; permanent taste alteration has not been noted.
• Inform patient that oral rinse contains alcohol.
• Instruct patient to avoid having medication come into contact with ears and eyes, which could cause permanent damage.
• Instruct patient not to swallow product but to expectorate after oral rinsing.
• Advise patient to avoid eating 2 to 3 h after treatment.
• Advise patients to avoid dental floss at the site of chip insertion for 10 days after placement because flossing might dislodge the chip.
• Instruct patient to notify dentist promptly if chip dislodges.
• Advise patient that although mild to moderate sensitivity is normal during the first week after placement of the chip, notify dentist if pain, swelling, or other problems occur.

Copyright © 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health.