Chlorhexidine
Brands (AU): Chlorhexidine Obstetric Lotion, Chlorohex Gel, Chlorohex Gel Forte, Chlorohex Mouth Rinse, Plaqacide, Savacol Mouth and Throat Rinse
Also known as: Peridex, Peridex *
No bleeding, MRONJ or oral-effect flag recorded for this medicine. Check interactions before prescribing.
Official AU regulatory prescribing information from the TGA (Chlorhexidine). General — not dental-specific; the guidance above takes precedence for dental decisions. View the official PI on TGA ↗
DosingPI §4.2
Dosage As required to disinfect wound area. See directions for use. Dosage and duration of administration are to be individualised and depend upon the indication for use, the patient’s ages, weight, clinical condition, concomitant treatment and on patient’s clinical response to treatment. Not for intravenous or oral route of administration. Product should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discolouration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. Do not use unless the solution is clear and the seal is intact. Directions for use The area where Baxter Chlorhexidine Acetate Antiseptic solution is to be used should be rinsed thoroughly with water. Apply the minimum amount necessary to cover the wound area and wash gently. Allow to dry for 3 minutes. Discard within 24 hours of opening. Baxter Chlorhexidine Acetate Antiseptic Solution Version 1.4 2 of 7 This solution is used as a general antiseptic, and is also recommended for disinfection …
ContraindicationsPI §4.3
Known hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine or methylene blue. Baxter Chlorhexidine Acetate Antiseptic Solution should not be used in the eye, intravenously, orally, in the auditory canal (especially perforated eardrums) or near meninges, brain or
Precautions & warningsPI §4.4
General Baxter Chlorhexidine Acetate Antiseptic solution should not be used intravenously or taken orally. Do not swallow. If swallowed seek urgent medical attention. It should not be used if you have a history of allergy to any of the ingredients of Baxter Chlorhexidine Acetate Antiseptic Solution. The use of chlorhexidine as a mouthwash has been associated with reversible discolouration of the tongue, teeth, and silicate or composite dental restorations. It should not be used if the expiry date printed on the label is overdue. Do not use unless the solution is clear, free of particles and the tamper proof seal is intact. Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions have been reported with chlorhexidine. Fatal anaphylactic reactions have been reported with other products containing chlorhexidine. If any signs or symptoms of a suspected hypersensitivity reaction develop, immediately stop using the product. Appropriate therapeutic …
InteractionsPI §4.5
The action of chlorhexidine is reduced by an alkaline pH, the presence of organic matter, anionic detergents and tannins. See section 6.2
Adverse effectsPI §4.8
Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions to chlorhexidine have been reported. Manifestations of such reactions have included cardiac arrest, circulatory collapse, hypotension, bronchospasm, rash, erythema, tachycardia, urticaria and shock. Fatal anaphylactic reaction has been reported. Some patients may experience skin irritation or an allergic reaction/ hypersensitivity reactions on contact with this product. If this occurs, the use of this product should be stopped immediately. Skin sensitivity to chlorhexidine has occasionally been reported. Very occasionally the following reactions have been noted when chlorhexidine containing irrigating solutions have been used intravesically, intravaginally or topically on traumatised skin: hypotension, paraesthesia, dyspnoea, tachycardia cold sweat, generalized erythema, urticaria and loss of consciousness. Strong solutions may cause irritation of the conjunctiva and other sensitive tissues. Transient taste disturbances and burning sensation of the …
OverdosePI §4.9
Chlorhexidine is poorly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. If ingested, advice concerning treatment should be sought immediately from a doctor. For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26
Pregnancy & lactationPI §4.6
Effects on fertility No data available. Use in pregnancy (Category A) The “Prescribing Medicines in Pregnancy” booklet categorises chlorhexidine as a Category A medicine. Use in lactation This product is safe for use in
US/UK reference sections (Lexicomp, Mosby's) — superseded by the Australian guidance and Product Information above. Retained for audit; click to expand.
Effects on dental treatment
Dental use is antibacterial dental rinse and periodontal chip. Key dental effects include increased tartar, altered taste perception, staining of oral surfaces including teeth, mucosa, and tongue, and oral/tongue irritation; staining may become visible after about 1 week, is increased by unremoved plaque or rough restorations, and may be permanent on some frontal restorations. (lexicomp-2260 p.366)
LA / vasoconstrictor precautions
No information available to require special precautions. (lexicomp-2260 p.366)
Drug interactions of concern in dentistry
• Disulfiram-like effects resulting from alcohol content: Antabuse, metronidazole (mosbys-2015 p.294)
Oral adverse effects
increased tartar; taste changes; oral surface staining; tooth staining; tongue staining; oral irritation; tongue irritation (lexicomp-2260 p.366)
Dental considerations
General: • Perform dental examination and prophylaxis/scaling/root planing before starting rinse. • Place on frequent recall because of oral side effects. • Use discretion when prescribing to patients with anterior facial restorations with rough surfaces or margins. Teach Patient/Family to: • Eat, brush, and floss before using rinse. • Not rinse with water after using chlorhexidine. • Not dilute solution; not swallow solution. • Beware of oral side effects. • Not brush or use dental floss at site of chip placement. chloroquine/ (mosbys-2015 p.294)
Dental dosing
Oral rinse: after brushing and flossing, swish 15 mL undiluted for 30 seconds and expectorate; do not swallow and avoid eating for 2-3 hours. Gingivitis: twice daily with reevaluation/prophylaxis about every 6 months. Periodontal chip: insert one chip into each periodontal pocket >=5 mm; up to 8 chips per visit, repeated every 3 months for remaining pocket depth >=5 mm; avoid flossing at the site for 10 days. (lexicomp-2260 p.366)
Precautions / contraindications
Hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine gluconate or any component of the formulation hloroquine/Chloroquine Phosphate 277 Caution: Lactation, efficacy not established for children younger than 18 yr, not intended for periodontitis (mosbys-2015 p.294)
Serious reactions
• Anaphylaxis has been reported. (mosbys-2015 p.294)