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Chlorhexidine topical and Swelling: What Users Say

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

Swelling: mentioned by 4 users (6.2%)

Based on user experiences from 65 Chlorhexidine topical reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

burning 12.3%
rash 12.3%
allergic reaction 9.2%
itching 9.2%
bad taste 6.2%
swelling 6.2%
dry mouth 4.6%
mouth sores 4.6%
pain 4.6%

Reviews for Chlorhexidine topical

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Mis...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 8, 2018

Chlorhexidine topical for Gingivitis "All my teeth have to be pulled or surgically removed. I did 6 teeth a few weeks ago and 8 removed a few days ago. This rinse has been the best thing for my swollen gums, breath, and irritation. I recommend it 100%."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
37 Report
  • Mrs...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 2, 2014

For Skin Disinfection, Preoperative "As part of my pre-op, I was instructed to use from neck to toes, avoiding mucous membranes and the genital area. Three hours later, my nose began to really itch. I have seasonal allergies, so I didn't think too much about it. Through pre-op, the itching got worse. When I came out of surgery, itching was much worse and my upper lip was swollen. By the time I got home, itching and swelling were worse, and everywhere I had used the chlorhexidine wash was red and felt like I had a bad sunburn. I took Benadryl, which reduced symptoms. I had to take it for three days to stop symptoms from coming back."

1 / 10
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23 Report
  • All...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 22, 2022

Chlorhexidine topical for Skin Disinfection, Preoperative "I had a severe allergic reaction a few hours after my biopsy. It caused major rash, swelling, and burning. I thought it was the incision causing pain. I will be on prednisone for 3 weeks. This is a horrible product."

1 / 10
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9 Report
  • Ang...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 25, 2023

Chlorhexidine topical for Skin Disinfection, Preoperative "I used Hibiclens before my surgery without experiencing any adverse effects. However, after I arrived home, my skin began to burn and blister. One of my legs was swollen, and I felt tightness in my throat and chest area. I will never use this product again, as the reaction was worse than the surgery itself."

2 / 10
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2 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.