What is Chlorhexidine topical?
Chlorhexidine fights bacteria.Use chlorhexidine topical to cleanse the skin and prevent infection caused by skin injury or surgery.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for chlorhexidine topical.
Side effects of Chlorhexidine topical
Chlorhexidine may cause an allergic reaction. This reaction is rare, but it can be serious.
Chlorhexidine can cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if:
- Severe burning, itching, or redness
- Blistering or peeling
- Skin rash or swelling;
- Any other severe irritation to the treated skin
You may experience less serious side effects or none at all.There may be other side effects. Call your doctor immediately if any side effects appear; for FDA reporting of adverse events call 800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Doxycycline, Hydrocortisone topical, Minocycline, Vibramycin, Peridex, Hibiclens, and Topical sodium hyaluronate
Warnings
Chlorhexidine may cause an allergic reaction, which can be severe and life-threatening. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience: hives or severe skin rash; wheezing or difficulty breathing; cold sweats; dizziness; swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to chlorhexidine, it is best not to use the topical.If you are allergic to dyes, food, animals, or medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it's safe to use the topical chlorhexidine.The safety of chlorhexidine topical for an unborn child is unknown. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant.The effects of chlorhexidine on nursing babies are not yet known. Inform your doctor if breastfeeding is taking place.Use chlorhexidine topically on children younger than 2 months. This medication can cause chemical burns or severe irritation in very young children.
How to take Chlorhexidine topical?
Do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration. Use only the recommended dose and do not go beyond it.Do not swallow. Use only topical chlorhexidine on your skin.Before applying topical chlorhexidine, rinse the skin. Only apply enough medication to cover the affected area. This medicine should not be used on deep cuts, skin scrapes, or open wounds.Use only enough topical to cover the area that you want to treat. Rinse the area thoroughly with water after gently washing it. Use sparingly on large areas of skin.
The contents of this medicine are not sterilised, although the product is manufactured under sterile conditions. The product can be contaminated by bacteria, which can spread an infection. To prevent contaminating your medication with bacteria:
- Only use the swab or pad provided along with your medication.
- Use only a cotton ball or cotton swab if no applicator has been provided.
- Avoid touching the top of the bottle or the skin with your fingertips.
- Don't dilute your medicine with water.
- Only use the applicator once. After one use, throw away the applicator.
If your symptoms don't improve or worsen while using topical chlorhexidine, call your doctor.Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly sealed.Use the medicine only once if it is packaged in foil or another container that can be used for one time. Even if the medicine is still inside, throw it away after use. Save the medicine for later.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you recall, take the missed dose. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses of topical chlorhexidine are not considered dangerous. If anyone accidentally swallows the medication, seek emergency medical care or call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Avoid getting the topical chlorhexidine in your ears, eyes, mouth, rectum, or vagina. If you do get it in your eyes, ears, nose, or mouth, wash with water.Do not use other medications on areas that you have treated with chlorhexidine unless you are told to by your doctor.Avoid getting the medicine on your clothes or other fabrics. Use bleach only to wash fabrics that have been exposed to chlorhexidine. Otherwise, the medication may leave a permanent stain.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs that you inject or take orally will not have any effect on the topically applied chlorhexidine. Many drugs interact with each other. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you take, including vitamins and herbal remedies.
