Bactoshield CHG Side Effects

Generic name: chlorhexidine topical

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 25, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Bactoshield CHG Side Effects associated with chlorhexidine topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Bactoshield CHG.

Applies to chlorhexidine topical: oral liquid, oral solution.

Other dosage forms:

• topical application liquid, topical application solution

Precautions

Chlorhexidine may have a bitter aftertaste. Do not rinse your mouth with water immediately after using chlorhexidine, since doing so will increase the bitterness. Rinsing may also decrease the effect of the medicine.

Chlorhexidine may change the way foods taste to you. Sometimes this effect may last up to 4 hours after you use the oral rinse. In most cases, this effect will become less noticeable as you continue to use the medicine. When you stop using chlorhexidine, your taste should return to normal.

Chlorhexidine may cause staining and an increase in tartar (calculus) on your teeth. Brushing with a tartar-control toothpaste and flossing your teeth daily may help reduce this tartar build-up and staining. In addition, you should visit your dentist at least every 6 months to have your teeth cleaned and your gums examined.

If you think that a child weighing 22 pounds (10 kilograms) or less has swallowed more than 4 ounces of the dental rinse, get emergency help at once. In addition, if a child of any age drinks the dental rinse and has symptoms of alcohol intoxication, such as slurred speech, sleepiness, or a staggering or stumbling walk, get emergency help at once.

Common side effects of Bactoshield CHG

Some side effects of chlorhexidine topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects of Bactoshield CHG

Along with its needed effects, chlorhexidine topical (the active ingredient contained in Bactoshield CHG) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking chlorhexidine topical:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to chlorhexidine topical: compounding liquid, mucous membrane insert, mucous membrane liquid, topical dressing, topical liquid, topical pad, topical soap, topical solution, topical sponge.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects include toothache, tongue coating, skin irritation and hypersensitivity reactions.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Toothache (up to 50.7%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dry mouth, glossodynia, oral paresthesia, dyspepsia, ulcerative stomatitis, gum hyperplasia
• Frequency not reported: Mouth irritation, coated tongue, desquamation/superficial desquamation/oral mucosa swelling, parotid gland swelling, burning sensation of the tongue, increased dental calculus formation, aphthous ulcer, gingivitis/grossly obvious gingivitis, geographic tongue, tooth disorder, dental/gingival/mouth pain, broken/cracked/fractured teeth, mobile teeth, lost bridges/crowns/fillings, discoloration of the teeth, gums, and dorsum of the tongue
• Postmarketing reports: Stomatitis, glossitis, ulcer, glossal edema, sialadenitis/inflammation of the salivary glands^[Ref]

Toothache occurred most often in patients receiving the periodontal chip, and included dental/gingival/mouth pain, tenderness, aching, throbbing, soreness, discomfort, or sensitivity.

Tooth disorder occurred most often in patients receiving the periodontal chip, and included broken/cracked/fractured teeth, mobile teeth, and lost bridges/crowns/fillings.^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 28.4%), sinusitis (up to 13.8%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Bronchitis, pharyngitis
• Frequency not reported: Bronchospasm, rhinitis, coughing, dyspnea^[Ref]

Bronchospasm occurred with hypersensitivity reactions.

Upper respiratory tract infection and sinusitis have occurred most commonly in patients receiving the periodontal chip.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Ageusia/dysgeusia, hypoesthesia
• Frequency not reported: Transient dysgeusia, headache, loss of consciousness
• Postmarketing reports: Hypesthesia, paresthesia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Arthrosis, tendinitis
• Frequency not reported: Back pain, myalgia, arthralgia^[Ref]

Local

• Frequency not reported: Ulceration, desquamation, keratinization, mucocele, short frenum, pain, tenderness, aching, throbbing, soreness, discomfort, sensitivity
• Postmarketing reports: Minor irritation^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Rash, erythema/generalized erythema, urticaria, dermatitis, pruritus, eczema, skin irritation, blisters, cold sweat, irritative or allergic skin reactions^[Ref]

Rash, erythema, and urticaria occurred with hypersensitivity reactions.

Dermatitis, pruritus, erythema, eczema, rash, urticaria, skin irritation, and blisters occurred with allergic skin reactions.^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Chemical burns in neonates, trauma, abscess, influenza-like symptoms, deafness, sensitive tissue irritation^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Cardiac arrest, circulatory collapse, hypotension, tachycardia, hypertension^[Ref]

Cardiac arrest, circulatory collapse, hypotension, and tachycardia occurred as hypersensitivity reactions.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic shock, anaphylactoid reactions/fatal anaphylactic reactions
• Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Irreversible corneal damage, irritation to the conjunctiva^[Ref]

Exposure of the eye to chlorhexidine cleanser, generally during preparation for facial surgery, has resulted in eye pain, edema of the epithelium, keratitis, inflammation of the conjunctiva, corneal epithelial cell loss, chronic corneal ulcers, and opacification. Corneal transplantation to correct permanent damage has been required in some patients.

Allergic conjunctivitis is rarely associated with the use of contact lens solutions which contain low concentrations of chlorhexidine as a preservative.^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Dysmenorrhea, hematuria^[Ref]

Hematuria occurred after bladder irrigation.^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Frequency not reported: Allergy^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Bactoshield CHG side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer