What's New
Related Searches
Related Health Centers
Popular Health Centers
Chlorhexidine
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic that is available in liquid and topical forms.1 It is used in mouthwashes used to treat gingivitis, as a topical antiseptic/antibiotic rinse or gel, and even as a pre-surgical scrub for surgeons.1 When used as a mouthwash, chlorhexidine should be used after brushing your teeth, and you should not eat, drink, or rinse your mouth immediately after use.2 When used as a skin ointment, it should be used only as directed and kept away from your eyes, ears, and mouth.3 If unusual or allergic reactions occur, discontinue use and consult your physician right away.3
Fast Facts:
- When treating gingivitis, chlorhexidine can cause staining of the teeth or tongue and upset stomach or nausea may occur if a small amount is accidentally swallowed. Your dentist can remove any teeth staining that may occur once you no longer need the rinse.2
- Skin irritation and an increased sensitivity to the sun can occur when chlorhexidine is used as a skin ointment.3
- Cholorhexidine is sold under various brand names due to the scope of its potential use. Some examples include: Betasept, Chlorostat, Hibiclens, Hibistat, Peridex, and Periogard.
The Top 10 Resources on Chlorhexidine
Selected by our Guides and Physician Review Team.
- Cerner Multum (via Drugs.com): Chlorhexidine Gluconate
- Wikipedia: Chlorhexidine
- Micromedex (via Mayo Clinic): Chlorhexidine (Topical Application Route)
- Family Gentle Dental Care: Chlorhexidine
- News-Medical.Net: Chlorhexidine Decreases Risk of Acquiring Hosptial-Related Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (June 18, 2006)
Nominate a Link
We have 5 top resources but need 5 more. Are there additional great links about Chlorhexidine that we should add here?
Latest Headlines on Chlorhexidine
What is Chlorhexidine?
- National Cancer Institute: NCI Drug Dictionary: Chlorhexidine
- DrugDigest: What Is/Are Chlorhexidine Topical Antiseptic?
- PetPlace.com: Chlorhexidine
- DailyMed: Peridex (Chlorhexidine Gluconate) Liquid: Description
What are the Uses for Chlorhexidine?
- First DataBank (via MedicineNet): Chlorhexidine - Topical (Mucous Membrane): Uses
- DailyMed: Peridex (Chlorhexidine Gluconate): Indications & Usage
- DrugLib: Periogard (Chlorhexidine): Indications and Dosage
What are the Side Effects, Interactions and Precautions for Chlorhexidine?
- First DataBank (via MedicineNet): Chlorhexidine - Topical (Mucous Membrane): Side Effects | Drug Interactions | Precautions
- DrugDigest: What Side Effects May I Notice From this Medicine? | What May Interact With this Medicine? | What Should I Watch For While Using this Medicine?
- DailyMed: Peridex (Chlorhexidine Gluconate): Adverse Reactions | Precautions | Warnings
What are the Alternatives to Chlorhexidine?
- OrganizedWisdom: Hydrogen Peroxide
- Wikipedia: Benzalkonium Chloride
- The Body: Roxithromycin Info Sheet
What are the Holistic Alternatives to Chlorhexidine?
- eMedicineHealth: Self-Care at Home
- A World of Aromatherapy: Gingivitis
- Mayo Clinic: Gingivitis: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Wisdom, Blogs and Message Boards about Chlorhexidine
- Google Groups: Chlorhexidine Abuse?
- HealthBoards: Hibiclens - It Works!!!
- Yahoo Answers: Chlorhexidine?
Clinical Trials for Chlorhexidine
- ClinicalTrials.gov: List of Chlorhexidine Clinical Trials
- CenterWatch: List of Chlorhexidine Clinical Trials
Abuse of Chlorhexidine
- First DataBank (via MedicineNet): Chlorhexidine - Topical (Mucous Membrane): Overdose
- DrugDigest: Chlorhexidine Topical Antiseptic: How Should I Use this Medicine?
- DailyMed: Chlorhexidine Gluconate): Overdose
Scientific and Medical Journal Articles on Chlorhexidine
- Google Scholar: Chlorhexidine Article Listing
- JAMA: Archive of Chlorhexidine Articles
- PubMed Central: List of Chlorhexidine Articles
Research Notes References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Wikipedia: Chlorhexidine
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 First DataBank (via MedicineNet): Chlorhexidine - Topical (Mucous Membrane)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 DrugDigest: Chlorhexidine Topical Antiseptic
About this WisdomCard
- Contributor: SScroggins
- Reviewer: Emily Lapkin
- Supervised by: The OrganizedWisdom Physician Review Team
- Last update: Jul. 1, 2009
Each WisdomCard is handcrafted by our team of physician-guided health advocates. Our goal is to make it easy for you to find the most useful health resources for any health topic. In addition to filtering out spam and bad links, WisdomCards highlight tips and warnings, such as:
- Guide Favorite
- Guide Warning
- Scroll down to reach relevant content
- Video
- In Memoriam
Help improve this WisdomCard by suggesting great links.
Advertisement
Are You Depressed?
1. Have you been feeling blue, or "down in the dumps"?
Advertisement
About WisdomCard
Meet our contributors and reviewers
- Contributor: SScroggins
- Reviewer: Emily Lapkin
- Supervised by: The OrganizedWisdom Physician Review Team
- Redirects: Chlorhexidine Gluconate, Use of Chlorhexidine, Chlorhexidine Use, Chlorhexidine Dosage, Dose of Chlorhexidine, Chlorhexidine Indications
- Last update: Jul. 1, 2009
Each WisdomCard is handcrafted by our team of physician-guided health advocates. Our goal is to make it easy for you to find the most useful health resources for any health topic by filtering out spam and bad links.
