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Chlorhexidine Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 5, 2023.

Applies to chlorhexidine topical: oral liquid, oral solution.

Other dosage forms:

Other side effects

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:

More common side effects

  • change in taste
  • increase in tartar (calculus) on teeth
  • staining of teeth, mouth, tooth fillings, and dentures or other mouth appliances

Less common or rare side effects

  • mouth irritation
  • swollen glands on side of face or neck
  • tongue tip irritation

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, chlorhexidine topical 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:

Rare side effects

  • signs of allergic reaction (nasal congestion; shortness of breath or troubled breathing; skin rash, hives, or itching; or swelling of face

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

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

Bronchospasm occurred with hypersensitivity reactions.

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

Nervous system

Musculoskeletal

Local

Dermatologic

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

Cardiovascular

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

Hypersensitivity

Ocular

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

Hematuria occurred after bladder irrigation.[Ref]

Immunologic

References

1. (2022) "Product Information. Peridex (chlorhexidine topical)." Procter and Gamble Pharmaceuticals

2. (2022) "Product Information. PerioChip (chlorhexidine topical)." Apothecon Inc

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

5. (2009) "Product Information. Biopatch (chlorhexidine topical)." Johnson and Johnson Medical Inc

6. (2011) "Product Information. Chlorhexidine Gluconate (chlorhexidine topical)." A-S Medication Solutions

7. (2011) "Product Information. Hibiclens (chlorhexidine topical)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals

Further information

Chlorhexidine topical 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.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.