Chlorhexidine Topical

Chlorhexidine Topical is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication and is used as surgical hand scrub, wound cleanser, and preoperative skin cleanser

• Chlorhexidine Topical is available under the following different brand names: Betasept, Hibiclens, Hibistat, Exidine, BioScrub, Dyna-Hex

Common side effects of Chlorhexidine Topical include:

• change in taste
• increase in tartar (calculus) on teeth
• staining of teeth, mouth, tooth fillings, and dentures or other mouth appliances
• mouth irritation
• swollen glands on side of the face or neck
• tongue tip irritation

Serious side effects of Chlorhexidine Topical include:

• hives
• severe skin rash. 
• wheezing, 
• difficult breathing. 
• cold sweats, severe dizziness.
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• severe burning, itching, or redness.
• blistering or peeling.
• swelling or severe skin rash; or
• any other severe irritation of treated skin.

Rare side effects of Chlorhexidine Topical include:

• none 

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out. 

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult dosage

Liquid/foam

• 0.75%
• 2%
• 4%

Lotion

• 1%

Swab

• 3.15%

Swab sticks

• 2%
• 3.15%

Solution

• 2%

Towelette

• 0.5% plus isopropyl alcohol 70%/5mL

Sponge

• 2%
• 4%

Cleanser & Antiseptic

Adult dosage

• Surgical scrub: Scrub for 3 min, rinse and wash for another 3 min
• Preoperative skin cleanser: Apply to surgical site and swab for 2 minutes, allow to dry, repeat once
• Wound cleaning: Rinse the area with water, apply to the wound area and wash gently, and then rinse thoroughly
• Hand sanitizer: Dispense in the palm of one hand, dip fingertips of opposite hand into solution and work it under nails; spread remainder covering all surfaces of the above elbow and over hand; repeat on other hands, allow to dry before using gloves
• Hand wash: Wash for 15 seconds and rinse
• Hand rinse: Rub for 15 seconds and rinse

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Chlorhexidine Topical has severe interactions with no other drugs.
• Chlorhexidine Topical has serious interactions with the following drug
  • allogeneic cultured keratinocytes and fibroblasts
• Chlorhexidine Topical has moderate interactions with no other drugs.
• Chlorhexidine Topical has minor interactions with no other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your healthcare professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Chlorhexidine Topical?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Chlorhexidine Topical?”

Cautions

• External use only
• Avoid contact with eyes, ears, and mucous membranes; immediately rinse with cold water if contact occurs
• If a product inadvertently encounters eyes, immediately flush with cool water for 15 minutes and contact a physician
• If this product is inadvertently swallowed, contact a physician and/or poison control center immediately
• Serious allergic reactions were reported, including anaphylaxis that can occur within minutes presenting as wheezing, difficulty breathing, facial edema, hives, severe rash, or hypotension and shock
• Do not use for deep wound cleansing; avoid if the wound involves more than superficial skin layers
• Hearing loss was reported when instilled in the middle ear through a perforated tympanic membrane
• Use with care in premature infants or infants aged below 2 months, the potential for irritation or chemical burns
• Avoid applying over large surfaces
• Not for presurgery preparation of face or head
• Product may cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms may include, wheezing/ difficulty breathing, shock, facial swelling, hives, and rash; if an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away
• High alcohol-containing lotions are flammable; keep away from fire or flames

Pregnancy and Lactation

• May be acceptable during pregnancy.
• Lactation
  • Unknown whether distributed in breast milk, LactMed states no toxicity was observed in breastfed infants when topically applied