Chlorhexidine
Chlorhexidine Information

About Chlorhexidine

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.

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, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Oral hygiene.

Contraindication

Chlorhexidine is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Chlorhexidine, which give rise to further complications include Hemolysis.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Chlorhexidine include Shortness of breadth, Hemolysis, Hypersensitivity reactions, Photophobia, Slurred speech, Allergic skin reactions.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Chlorhexidine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Nausea, Vomiting, Allergic reactions, Photosensitivity, Skin irritation, Skin sensitization, Irritation of sensitive tissues, Dermatitis, Taste disturbances, Teeth discoloration, Staining of oral surfaces, Staining of tongue, Swelling of face.

Warnings

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.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, and Geriatrics.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.