What is Spectrum-4?
Chlorhexidine fights bacteria. Use Spectrum-4 to cleanse the skin and prevent infections caused by skin injuries, such as injections, surgery, or other skin injuries. Spectrum-4 can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Spectrum-4
Chlorhexidine may cause an allergic reaction. This reaction is rare, but it can be serious.
Spectrum-4 can cause serious side effects. Spectrum-4 should be stopped immediately, and you should consult your doctor 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. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
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 rashes; difficulty breathing; cold sweats; dizziness; swelling of the face, lips, throat, tongue, or mouth.
Before you take this drug
Spectrum-4 should not be used if you have an allergy to it. If you are allergic to dyes, food, animals, or medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether Spectrum-4 is safe to use. Spectrum-4 is not known to harm unborn babies. 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. Spectrum-4 should not be used on children younger than two months. This medicine can cause chemical burns or severe irritation in very young children.
How to take Spectrum-4?
Do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration. Use the recommended dose and do not exceed it. Spectrum-4 is not to be taken by mouth. Spectrum-4 should only be used on the skin. Spectrum-4 should be rinsed off before application. Only apply enough medicine to treat the affected area. This medicine should not be used on deep cuts, skin scrapes, or open wounds.
Use only enough Spectrum-4 to cover the area that you want to treat. Rinse the area thoroughly with water. Use sparingly on large areas of skin.
The contents of this medicine are not sterilized, 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 you are using Spectrum-4, call your doctor. Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. Store the bottle in an environment free from moisture and heat, keeping the cap securely sealed when not in use. 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 a later date.
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?
Spectrum-4 overdoses are unlikely to be harmful. If anyone accidentally swallows the medication, seek emergency medical attention. Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Avoid getting Spectrum-4 into your eyes, nose, mouth, or rectum. If you do get Spectrum-4 in your eyes, ears, nose, or mouth, wash with water. Do not use other medications in the area you are treating with Spectrum-4 unless you have been 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 all healthcare providers of all the medications you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal products.
