Chlorhexidine: Indication, Dosage, Side Effect, Precaution

Generic Medicine Info Patient Medicine Information

This information is not country-specific. Please refer to the Malaysia prescribing information.

Generic Medicine Info

Indications and Dosage

Mouth/Throat
Aphthous ulcer, Oral candidiasis, Oral hygiene

Adult: As chlorhexidine digluconate 0.2% spray: Apply bid. Max: 12 actuations bid. As chlorhexidine digluconate 1% gel: Brush teeth with 1 inch of gel once or bid for about 1 minute. As chlorhexidine digluconate 0.2% solution: Rinse mouth bid with 10 mL for about 1 minute or soak dentures for 15 minutes bid.
Child: ≥12 years Same as adult dose.

Mouth/Throat
Gingivitis

Adult: For treatment and prevention: As chlorhexidine digluconate 0.2% spray: Apply bid for 1 month. Max: 12 actuations bid. As chlorhexidine gluconate 0.12% solution: Rinse mouth bid with 15 mL for about 30 seconds. As chlorhexidine digluconate 0.2% solution: Rinse mouth bid with 10 mL for about 1 minute. As chlorhexidine digluconate 1% gel: Brush teeth with 1 inch of gel once or bid for about 1 minute for 1 month.
Child: ≥12 years Same as adult dose.

Mouth/Throat
Prophylaxis of dental caries

Adult: As chlorhexidine digluconate 1% gel: Apply for 5 minutes every night for 14 days in a close-fitting tray. Repeat treatment every 3-4 months.
Child: ≥12 years Same as adult dose.

Topical/Cutaneous
Antiseptic and disinfectant

Adult: As chlorhexidine acetate 0.05% solution: Irrigation of wound and burn. As chlorhexidine gluconate 4% solution: General cleansing of skin and wounds. As chlorhexidine gluconate 0.25% cream: Minor burns and abrasions.

Incompatibility

Incompatible with soaps or other anionic agents.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity.

Special Precautions

Children. Pregnancy and lactation.

Adverse Reactions

Significant: Chemical burns in neonates.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Dry mouth, taste alteration.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Dermatitis, pruritus, erythema, eczema, rash, urticaria, skin irritation, blisters.
Potentially Fatal: Serious allergic reactions (e.g. anaphylactic shock).

Pregnancy Category (US FDA)

Mouth/Throat/Topical/Vag: B; Periodontal: C

Patient Counseling Information

Not intended for use in the eye, auditory canal, meninges, brain, spinal cord and genital area. This drug may stain teeth and tongue.

Action

Description:
Mechanism of Action: Chlorhexidine exerts its bactericidal activity against gram-positive and gram-negative organisms by binding cationic molecule to negatively charged bacterial cell walls and extramicrobial complexes leading to precipitation of cytoplasmic contents of bacterial cell wall which results in cell death. At low concentration, it acts as a bacteriostatic by alteration of bacterial cell osmotic equilibrium and leakage of potassium and phosphorus.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Poorly absorbed from gastrointestinal tract.
Excretion: Via faeces (approx 90%); urine (<1%).

Chemical Structure

Storage

Store below 25°C. Protect from light.

MIMS Class

Preparations for Oral Ulceration & Inflammation / Skin Antiseptics & Disinfectants

ATC Classification

R02AA05 - chlorhexidine ; Belongs to the class of antiseptics used in throat preparations.
A01AB03 - chlorhexidine ; Belongs to the class of local antiinfective and antiseptic preparations. Used in the treatment of diseases of the mouth.
B05CA02 - chlorhexidine ; Belongs to the class of antiinfectives used as irrigating solutions.
D08AC02 - chlorhexidine ; Belongs to the class of biguanide and amidine antiseptics. Used in the treatment of dermatological diseases.

References

Acclean Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.12% Oral Rinse. DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/. Accessed 07/03/2019.

Anon. Chlorhexidine Gluconate (Oral). Lexicomp Online. Hudson, Ohio. Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 07/03/2019.

Anon. Chlorhexidine Gluconate (Topical). Lexicomp Online. Hudson, Ohio. Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 07/03/2019.

Antiseptic Skin Cleanser- Chlorhexidine Gluconate 4% Liquid (Chain Drug Consortium, LLC). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/. Accessed 11/03/2019.

Buckingham R (ed). Chlorhexidine. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 07/03/2019.

Chlorhexidine. Gold Standard Drug Database in ClinicalKey [online]. Elsevier Inc. https://www.clinicalkey.com/. Accessed 07/03/2019.

Joint Formulary Committee. Chlorhexidine. British National Formulary [online]. London. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 07/03/2019.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Chlorhexidine from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com