Chlorhexidine Gluconate
Description
Chlorhexidine Gluconate is an antiseptic medicine. It is available as mouthwash, toothpaste, gel, solution, and soap. Mouthwash is used in the treatment of gingivitis (a condition in which the gums become red and swollen), mouth ulcers, oral thrush (fungal infection in your mouth), and denture sores (redness, swelling, and tenderness in the mouth due to denture, removable replacement for missing teeth). It is also used for maintaining oral hygiene.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate toothpaste and gel are used to prevent the formation of tooth plaque (a soft, sticky biofilm that forms on the teeth due to bacterial growth). The gel is also used for the treatment of gingivitis and mouth ulcers.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate soap is used to clean the skin and wound area and prevent skin infections. Chlorhexidine Gluconate solution is used prior to surgery for skin disinfection. It is also used by healthcare professionals to disinfectant the hands before surgical or medical procedures.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate may show some minor side effects like taste change, staining of teeth, and burning sensation. These side effects are temporary and resolve with time. Consult your doctor if they become severe or remain for a long time.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate is not recommended for use if you are allergic to it. Use this medicine as directed by your doctor.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Chlorhexidine Gluconate
- Change in taste
- Staining of tooth
- Gum or mouth irritation
- Skin irritation
- Redness of skin
- Itching of skin
Uses of Chlorhexidine Gluconate
What is it prescribed for?
- Gingivitis
- Mouth ulcers
- Skin Infection
- Presurgical preparation and asepsis
- Dental plaque
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for Chlorhexidine Gluconate to show its action is not known.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which Chlorhexidine Gluconate remains active in your body is not known.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendency has been reported for Chlorhexidine Gluconate.
- Usage in pregnancy?The effects of Chlorhexidine Gluconate during pregnancy are not known. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?The effect of Chlorhexidine Gluconate while breastfeeding is not known. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
Allergy
Chlorhexidine Gluconate is not recommended for use if you are allergic to it.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
The effects of Chlorhexidine Gluconate during pregnancy are not known. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
Breast-feeding
The effect of Chlorhexidine Gluconate while breastfeeding is not known. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
General warnings
External use only
Chlorhexidine Gluconate is meant for external use only. Avoid direct contact with the eyes. Avoid swallowing the toothpaste, gel, or mouthwash.
Discolouration of the teeth
The use of Chlorhexidine Gluconate Gel may cause discolouration of teeth. In most cases, the stain is not permanent.
Missed Dose
Use the missed dose of Chlorhexidine Gluconate as soon as you remember it. If it is time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose.
Soap and solution: Chlorhexidine Gluconate is generally used as needed. If you are on a scheduled dosing regimen of this medicine, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
An overdose of Chlorhexidine Gluconate is less likely to cause harm. However, ingestion of this medicine may be harmful and medical intervention may be required.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate toothpaste, mouthwash, and gel are meant for external use only. Do not swallow the medicine. Follow all instructions mentioned on the label or the package insert.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate soap is only recommended for external use. Avoid contact with the mouth, eyes, and genital areas (private parts of the body).
Miscelleneous
How it works
Chlorhexidine Gluconate works by killing the bacteria.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Antiseptic and germicides, Mouth and throat products
Schedule
N/A
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Care Chlorhexidine Digluconate 0.2% w/v Antiseptic Mouthwash - Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 1 September 2021].
ICPA Health Products Ltd. 2021. Hexidine - Chlorhexidine Gluconate Solution (0.2%). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 1 September 2021].
Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. Chlorhexidine gluconate. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 19 October 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. ChloraPrep - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 3 November 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Corsodyl 1% w/w Dental Gel - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 3 November 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Care Chlorhexidine Digluconate 0.2% w/v Antiseptic Mouthwash - Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 1 September 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 19 Nov 2021
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.