SAVLON ANTISEPTIC CREAM

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS

1

NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Savlon Antiseptic Cream

2.

QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Cetrimide 0.5% w/w
Chlorhexidine Digluconate 0.1% w/w
1 gram of Savlon antiseptic cream contains 5 mg of cetrimide (0.5% w/w) and
1 mg of chlorhexidine digluconate (0.1% w/w) as the active ingredients.
Excipients with known effect:
Cetostearyl alcohol 10.00% w/w
Methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) 0.01% w/w
Propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216) 0.01% w/w
For full list of excipients, see section 6.1

3

PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Cream

4

CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1

Therapeutic indications
The cleansing and prevention of infection in all types of lesions, ranging from
minor skin disorders or blisters, to minor burns and small wounds.

4.2

Posology and method of administration
For cutaneous use only.
Apply the cream over the affected area after cleansing.

4.3

Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to the product or any of its components, especially in
those with a history of possible chlorhexidine digluconate-related allergic
reactions (see sections 4.4 and 4.8).

4.4

Special warnings and precautions for use
For external use only.
Avoid contact with the eyes, middle ear, meninges and other nervous tissue.
If accidentally splashed into the eye, the open eye should be irrigated for at least 10
minutes.
Keep all medicines away from children.
If symptoms persist, stop using and consult your doctor.
The product is incompatible with anionic substances (e.g. soap)
Information concerning excipients
Savlon cream contains:
•
Cetostearyl Alcohol: May cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis).
•
Methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and propyl parahydroxybenzoate
(E216):May cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).
•
Chlorhexidine which is known to induce hypersensitivity, including generalised
allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock. The prevalence of Chlorhexidine
hypersensitivity is not known, but available literature suggests this is likely to
be very rare. Savlon Cream should not be administered to anyone with a
potential history of an allergic reaction to a chlorhexidine-containing
compound (see sections 4.3 and 4.8).

4.5

Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
No interaction studies have been performed.

4.6

Fertility, Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
There are no adequate data from the use of chlorhexidine digluconate and cetrimide in
pregnant women.
The potential risk for humans is unknown but is most likely very low since
chlorhexidine digluconate and cetrimide are poorly absorbed following topical
application.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether chlorhexidine digluconate and cetrimide are excreted in
breast milk. There is no adequate data from the use of chlorhexidine and cetrimide in
breast-feeding women. However, it is unlikely that the products are excreted in breast
milk, since the products are poorly absorbed. After topical usage of the product, as a
general precaution, rinse nipples thoroughly with water before breast-feeding.
Fertility

No data are available on fertility outcomes.

4.7

Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Savlon has no influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

4.8

Undesirable Effects
Adverse reactions are listed below by system organ class and frequency. Frequencies
are defined as:: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100, <1/10); uncommon
(≥1/1,000, <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000, <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000); or not known
(cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping,
adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
Immune system disorders
Very rare: Anaphylactic reaction
Very rare: Angioedema, urticaria
Frequency not known: Hypersensitivity including anaphylactic shock (see sections
4.3 and 4.4).
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Very rare: Skin irritation
Frequency not known: Allergic skin reactions such as dermatitis, pruritus, erythema,
eczema, rash, urticaria, skin irritation, and blisters
Paediatric population
No investigations in children have been performed. However, frequency, type and
severity of adverse reactions in children are expected to be the same as in adults.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is
important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal
product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions
via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yel1owcard.

4.9

Overdose
Symptoms
While accidental ingestion is unlikely to cause any systemic effects due to the poor
absorption of Chlorhexidine digluconate and cetrimide, ingestion of high
concentrations may cause esophageal damage and necrosis with symptoms such as
nausea and vomiting. Cetrimide has depolarising muscle relaxant properties and toxic
symptoms include dyspnoea and cyanosis due to paralysis of the respiratory muscles,
possibly leading to asphyxia. CNS depression (sometimes preceded by excitement
and convulsions), hypotension, coma, and death may also occur.
Management
Treatment of poisoning is symptomatic; demulcents and diluents may be given if
necessary but emesis and lavage should be avoided. Activated charcoal may be
considered if the patient presents within an hour of ingestion.
Corticosteroids may reduce oropharyngeal edema.

5

PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1

Pharmacodynamic properties
Chlorhexidine, combination - Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antiseptics and
disinfectants, ATC Code: D08AC52
Chlorhexidine digluconate is an effective antiseptic with a wide range of
activity against micro- organisms, including gram positive and gram negative
bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Cetrimide is a quaternary ammonium compound with surfactant and antiseptic
properties.

5.2

Pharmacokinetic properties
Chlorhexidine digluconate and cetrimide are poorly absorbed from the
gastrointestinal tract and skin.

5.3

Preclinical safety data
There is minimal systemic absorption of chlorhexidine and cetrimide
following topical administration. Preclinical data do not show genotoxic risk
for chlorhexidine digluconate. Reproductive studies with chlorhexidine
digluconate in animals have not revealed any teratogenic potential nor risk to
the foetus. No additional information is available for cetrimide.

6

PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1

List of excipients
Cetostearyl alcohol
Liquid paraffin
Methyl hydroxybenzoate
Propyl hydroxybenzoate
Antiseptic perfume compound P2419
Disodium edetate
Purified water

6.2

Incompatibilities
Chlorhexidine is incompatible with anionic substances (e.g. soap, toothpaste).

6.3

Shelf life

24 months.
Shelf life after opening: 12 months
6.4

Special precautions for storage
Store below 25°C.

6.5

Nature and contents of container
Lacquered aluminium tube with a screw cap.
Polyethylene/aluminium/polyethylene laminate tube with a multi-layer peel-off
tamper evident seal composed of lacquer, aluminium and internal ionomer, closed
screw cap.
Tubes may be further packaged in unit cardboard boxes. Boxed or unboxed tubes
may be provided as items in first aid containers.
Pack sizes: 15, 30, 40, 60, and 100g.

6.6

Special precautions for disposal
Medicines should be kept out of the sight and reach of children.

7

MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (UK) Trading Limited,
980 Great West Road
Brentford
Middlesex
TW8 9GS
United Kingdom

8

MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
PL 44673/0111

9.
DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION / RENEWAL OF
AUTHORISATION
1 November 1997 / 04 January 2007

10

DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
04/04/2017