Periogard Side Effects

Generic name: chlorhexidine topical

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

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

Applies to chlorhexidine topical: topical application liquid, topical application solution.

Other dosage forms:

• oral liquid, oral solution

Precautions

Check with your doctor if your skin problem becomes worse. Call your doctor if you have skin irritation that does not go away, such as redness, itching, or burning in the area where you used this medicine.

This medicine should not be used for an extended period of time on large areas of the body. Follow your doctor's instructions about how long to use this medicine.

This medicine may cause serious and permanent injury when placed in the eyes, ears, or mouth. Carefully follow all instructions before using this medicine to prevent serious side effects.

This medicine may cause a brown stain on clothing when chlorine is also present. These stains may not be removed by regular washing. Use only non-chlorine products to wash or bleach fabrics exposed to this medicine. If the medicine has directions on the package about washing fabrics, follow them carefully.

The Chloraprep® and Hibistat® products contain large amounts of alcohol (70%) and are flammable. Do not use them or store them near a flame, heater, or electrical device. Do not use the medicine while you are smoking. Apply the medicine in a well-ventilated place.

Serious side effects of Periogard

Along with its needed effects, chlorhexidine topical (the active ingredient contained in Periogard) 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

Periogard 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