Chlorhexidine Gluconate



Avagard™[OTC]; BactoShield® CHG [OTC]; Betasept®[OTC]; ChloraPrep®[OTC]; Dyna-Hex®[OTC]; Hibiclens®[OTC]; Hibistat®[OTC]; Operand® Chlorhexidine Gluconate [OTC]; Peridex®; PerioChip®; PerioGard®







Chlorhexidine Gluconate

(klor HEKS i deen GLOO koe nate)

U.S. Brand Names
Avagard™[OTC]; BactoShield® CHG [OTC]; Betasept®[OTC]; ChloraPrep®[OTC]; Dyna-Hex®[OTC]; Hibiclens®[OTC]; Hibistat®[OTC]; Operand® Chlorhexidine Gluconate [OTC]; Peridex®; PerioChip®; PerioGard®
Canadian Brand Names
Apo-Chlorhexadine®; Hibidil® 1:2000; ORO-Clense
Pharmacologic Category
Antibiotic, Oral Rinse; Antibiotic, Topical
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to chlorhexidine gluconate or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to prevent and treat mouth infections.
How does it work?
  • Chlorhexidine gluconate works to injure the bacteria and fight the infection.
How is it best taken?
  • Oral rinse:
  • Brush and floss teeth.
  • Rinse with 1 tablespoon of medicine for 30 seconds.
  • Do not swallow medicine.
  • Rinse twice daily in the morning and in the evening.
  • Wait 30 minutes before eating, drinking, using mouthwash, or brushing teeth.
  • Oral chip:
  • Your healthcare provider will give this medicine.
  • Do not floss the area where the chip was placed for 10 days.
  • Skin (cleanser):
  • Do not take this medicine by mouth. For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, ears, and eyes (may burn).
  • Skin (hand sanitizer):
  • Work under fingertips.
  • Spread over hand and to just above elbow.
  • Apply another pump full to both hands and spread over hands and up to the wrist.
  • Rub into hands until dry.
  • Skin (hand washing):
  • Wet hands and forearms.
  • Apply 1 teaspoon to hands and wash for 1 minute.
  • Rinse affected area with water. Make sure to dry well.
  • Skin (before surgery):
  • Your healthcare provider may teach you how to use.
  • Your healthcare provider may apply to skin.
  • Skin (surgical wash):
  • Your healthcare provider will give this medicine.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Use a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Many times this medicine is used on an as needed basis.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • All forms:
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
  • Oral:
  • If you have front-tooth fillings or other gum problems, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Skin:
  • Protect clothing from staining.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Oral:
  • Mouth and lip irritation. Frequent mouth care with a soft toothbrush or cotton swabs and rinsing mouth may help.
  • Abnormal taste. This is usually reversible.
  • Skin:
  • Dryness.
  • Skin irritation.
What should I monitor?
  • Oral:
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe skin irritation.
  • Any rash.
  • Oral:
  • Severe gum irritation or swelling.
  • Numbness or tingling around mouth.
  • Staining of mouth, teeth, or fillings.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from heat.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: