DrugInfoSys

Chlorhexidine

Drug #160

Chlorhexidine is a cationic biguanide antiseptic. Chlorhexidine is antibacterial agent and topical disinfectant. Chlorhexidine is active against vegetative bacterias and mycobecterias and has moderate activity against fungi and viruses. Chlorhexidine is most effective agianst gram positive bacterias.<br>Chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG) are cationic disinfectants widely used in aqueous personal products such as eye drops, lotions and creams.<br>Chlorhexidine Acetate is a topical antiseptic, bactericide, strong function of broad-spectrum bacteriostasis, sterilization, used for disinfecting hands, skin, washing wounds.

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Primary Characteristics

Chlorhexidine is also known as Chlorhexidine Acetate, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Chlorhexidine Gluconate.

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Biguanide.

Molecular Weight: 897.8 · Solubility in Water: miscible · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 5 · Non-proprietary name: Chlorhexidine.

Molecular structure of Chlorhexidine

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Chlorhexidine has an oral bioavailability is 15% (±15%).

Elimination: it is metabolised via Hepatic, renal excretion is < 1%.

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Indications

Chlorhexidine is primarily indicated in conditions like Abrasion, Bladder irrigation, Bleeding, Burns, Cuts, Gingivitis, Infected cracked skin, Minor burns, Minor scalds, Pleural and peritoneal irrigation, Skin infections, Skin lesions, Sunburn blisters, Ulcers, Urethral infection, Wounds irrigation in surgery.

Chlorhexidine is also indicated for secondary conditions like Oral hygiene.

Contraindications

Chlorhexidine is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity.

Dosage

Chlorhexidine's dosage details are as follows:

DoseSingle DoseFrequencyRouteInstructions
Adult Dosage
2.01 %2.01 %—TopicalAs Required
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
0.035 %0.035 %—Topical As Required
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
No data.

Drug Interactions

1 interaction

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Chlorhexidine in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Hemolysis .

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Chlorhexidine are Slurred speech, Photophobia, Photophobia, Hypersensitivity reactions, Shortness of breadth, Shortness of breadth, Hemolysis , Allergic skin reactions.

Chlorhexidine is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Allergic reactions, Dermatitis, Irritation of sensitive tissues, Nausea, Photosensitivity, Skin irritation, Skin sensitization, Staining of oral surfaces, Staining of tongue, Swelling of face, Taste disturbances, Teeth discoloration, Vomiting .

Warnings / Precautions

Chlorhexidine should be used with caution in patients with medical or dental history including that of any drug allergy.It is not known if chlorhexidine digluconate use results in an increase in subgingival calculus. Calculus deposits should be removed by a dental prophylaxis at intervals not greater than six months. For patients having coexisting gingivitis and periodontitis, the presence or absence of gingival inflammation following treatment with chlorhexidine gluconate should not be used as a major indicator of underlying periodontitis. Some patients may experience an alteration in taste perception while undergoing treatment with chlorhexidine digluconate oral rinse. It is classified as pregnancy category B and should be used with caution during pregnancy. This medication is not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age and in case of known hypersensitivity. Must be kept away from eyes and inner ears.

Interference in Pathology

Chlorhexidine may interfere in the diagnosis of Its presence in urine interfere with Stix Tests for proteinuria .

Available Brands

Click on a strength to view available brands.

Single Ingredient

Gel
0.2 %w/w
Liquid
0.1 %w/v
Mouth Wash
0.12 %w/v0.2 %w/v
Paste
0.12 %w/w0.2 %w/w
Soln
1.5 %w/v4 %w/v

Multi-Ingredient Combinations

Cream
0.5 %w/w
Gel
0.25 % w/w
Liquid
1.5 %w/v
Liquid
7.5 %w/v
Mouth Wash
0.12 %w/v
Mouth Wash
0.2 %w/v
Paste
0.2 %w/v
Soln
0.3 %w/v1.5 %w/v

Storage Conditions

Chlorhexidine should be stored Topical Soln.

Drug Classification

  1. 1.6.3 — Antifungal drugs
  2. 2.13.2.1 — Antibacterials, topical
  3. 3.15 — Disinfectants and antiseptics

Manufacturers