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Chlorhexidine topical Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Acclean, Bactoshield, Betasept, Biopatch, Calgon Vesta, ChloraPrep One-Step, Chlorostat, Chlorostat 4, CliniClean, Denti-Rinse, Dyna-Hex, Exidine, Hibiclens, Hibistat, Hibistat Towelette, Paroex, Peridex, PerioChip, Periogard, Perisol, Scrub Care, Scrub Care Exidine, Sky Oral Rinse, Spectrum-4, Tegaderm CHG Dressing

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 21, 2023.

Chlorhexidine topical Pregnancy Warnings

This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

AU TGA pregnancy category: A
US FDA pregnancy category: C (periodontal chip)
US FDA pregnancy category: B (soap, solution, and oral rinse formulations)

Animal models have failed to reveal evidence of fetal harm. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

AU TGA pregnancy category A: Drugs which have been taken by a large number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age without any proven increase in the frequency of malformations or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the fetus having been observed.

US FDA pregnancy category B: Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

US FDA pregnancy category C: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

See references

Chlorhexidine topical Breastfeeding Warnings

Toxicity to suckling pups and impaired parturition were not observed in animal models receiving daily human doses equivalent to 30 mL of a 0.12% solution

Caution is recommended.

Excreted into human milk: Yes

See references

References for pregnancy information

  1. Product Information. Peridex (chlorhexidine topical). Procter and Gamble Pharmaceuticals. 2022.
  2. Product Information. PerioChip (chlorhexidine topical). Apothecon Inc. 2022.
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.
  4. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.
  5. Product Information. Biopatch (chlorhexidine topical). Johnson and Johnson Medical Inc. 2009.
  6. Product Information. Chlorhexidine Gluconate (chlorhexidine topical). A-S Medication Solutions. 2011.
  7. Product Information. Hibiclens (chlorhexidine topical). Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals. 2011.

References for breastfeeding information

  1. Product Information. Peridex (chlorhexidine topical). Procter and Gamble Pharmaceuticals. 2022.
  2. Product Information. PerioChip (chlorhexidine topical). Apothecon Inc. 2022.
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.
  4. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.
  5. Product Information. Biopatch (chlorhexidine topical). Johnson and Johnson Medical Inc. 2009.
  6. Product Information. Chlorhexidine Gluconate (chlorhexidine topical). A-S Medication Solutions. 2011.
  7. Product Information. Hibiclens (chlorhexidine topical). Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals. 2011.
  8. United States National Library of Medicine. Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT 2013.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.