Monday, June 25, 2012

chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse


Generic Name: chlorhexidine gluconate (oral rinse) (klor HEX i deen)

Brand Names: Peridex, Periogard, Perisol


What is chlorhexidine gluconate?

Chlorhexidine gluconate is a germicidal mouthwash that reduces bacteria in the mouth.


Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse is used to treat gingivitis (swelling, redness, bleeding gums). Chlorhexidine gluconate is usually prescribed by a dentist.


Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse is not for treating all types of gingivitis. Use the medication only to treat the condition your dentist prescribed it for. Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same gum symptoms you have.

Chlorhexidine gluconate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about chlorhexidine gluconate?


You should not use this medication if you are allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate.

If you have periodontal disease, you may need special treatments while you are using chlorhexidine gluconate.


Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse is not for treating all types of gingivitis. Use the medication only to treat the condition your dentist prescribed it for. Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same gum symptoms you have. Do not give this medication to a child or teenager without a doctor's advice.

Do not add water to chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse. Do not rinse your mouth with water or other mouthwashes right after using chlorhexidine gluconate.


Avoid eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth just after using this medication.


Do not use any other mouthwash unless your doctor has told you to.


Chlorhexidine gluconate can stain teeth, dentures, tooth restorations, your tongue, or the inside of your mouth. Talk with your dentist about ways to remove staining from these surfaces. Stains may be harder to remove from false teeth that have scratches in their surfaces.

Visit your dentist at least every 6 months for preventive tooth and gum care.


What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using chlorhexidine gluconate?


You should not use this medication if you are allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate.

If you have periodontal disease, you may need special treatments while you are using chlorhexidine gluconate.


FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether chlorhexidine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child or teenager without a doctor's advice.

How should I use chlorhexidine gluconate?


Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.


Rinse your mouth with chlorhexidine gluconate twice daily after brushing your teeth.


Measure your dose using the cup provided with the medication. Swish the medicine in your mouth for at least 30 seconds, then spit it out. Do not swallow the mouthwash.

Do not add water to the oral rinse. Do not rinse your mouth with water or other mouthwashes right after using chlorhexidine gluconate.


Chlorhexidine gluconate may leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Do not rinse your mouth to remove this taste after using the medication. You may rinse the medicine away and reduce its effectiveness.


Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before your gingivitis is completely cleared. Chlorhexidine gluconate will not treat a viral or fungal infection such as cold sores, canker sores, or oral thrush (yeast infection).


Visit your dentist at least every 6 months for preventive tooth and gum care.


Store chlorhexidine gluconate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?


Use the missed dose as soon as you remember, but brush your teeth first. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine, or if a child has swallowed 4 or more ounces of this medicine.

An overdose of chlorhexidine would occur only if the medicine were swallowed. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, stomach pain, or the appearance of being drunk.


What should I avoid while taking chlorhexidine gluconate?


Avoid eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth just after using this medication.


Do not use any other mouthwash unless your doctor has told you to.


Chlorhexidine gluconate can stain teeth, dentures, tooth restorations, your tongue, or the inside of your mouth. Talk with your dentist about ways to remove staining from these surfaces. Stains may be harder to remove from false teeth that have scratches in their surfaces.

Chlorhexidine gluconate side effects


Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor if you have a serious side effect such as:



  • white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;




  • mouth ulcers; or




  • swelling of your salivary glands (underneath your jaws).



Less serious side effects may include:



  • mouth irritation;




  • dry mouth;




  • unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth; or




  • decreased taste sensation.



This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


Chlorhexidine gluconate Dosing Information


Usual Adult Dose for Gingivitis:

15 mL twice daily after brushing. Oral rinse should be retained for 30 seconds then expectorated after rinsing.

Usual Adult Dose for Mucositis:

15 mL twice daily after brushing. Oral rinse should be retained for 30 seconds then expectorated after rinsing.

Usual Adult Dose for Periodontitis:

Initial: One 2.5 mg chip inserted into a periodontal pocket with probing pocket depth greater than or equal to 5 mm, up to 8 chips in one visit.

Maintenance: Administration is recommended once every 3 months in pockets with remaining probing depth greater than or equal to 5 mm.

Usual Adult Dose for Skin Disinfection, Preoperative:

Chlorhexidine gluconate 2% cloth:
Patient preoperative skin preparation:
Hold package in one hand and lift flap on backside of package with the other hand. Grasp flap at top and pull down to tear flap away and expose foam. Alternatively, using sterile scissors, cut off end seal of package. Transfer contents onto prep table, avoiding contact between cloths and outside of package to reduce risk of cloth contamination. Use the first cloth to prepare the skin area indicated for a moist or dry site, making certain to keep the second cloth where it will not be contaminated. Use the second cloth to prepare larger areas.
DRY SURGICAL SITES: (such as the abdomen or arm): Use one cloth to cleanse each 161 cm2 area (approximately 5 x 5 inches) of skin to be prepared. Vigorously scrub skin back and forth for 3 minutes, completely wetting treatment area, then discard. Allow area to air dry for one minute. Do not rinse.
MOIST SURGICAL SITES: (such as the inguinal fold): Use one cloth to cleanse each 65 cm2 area (approximately 2 x 5 inches) of skin to be prepared. Vigorously scrub skin back and forth for 3 minutes, completely wetting treatment area, then discard. Do not rinse.

Chlorhexidine gluconate 4% solution:
SURGICAL HAND SCRUB: Do not dilute. Wet hands and forearms with water and scrub for 3 minutes with about 5 ml and a wet brush, paying close attention to the nails, cuticles, and interdigital spaces. Wash for an additional 3 minutes with 5 ml and rinse under running water. Dry thoroughly.
HEALTHCARE PERSONNEL HANDWASH: Do not dilute. Wet hands with water. Dispense about 5 ml into cupped hands and wash in a vigorous manner for 15 seconds. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
PATIENT PREOPERATIVE SKIN PREPARATION: Do not dilute. Apply liberally to surgical site and swab for at least 2 minutes. Dry with a sterile towel. Repeat procedure for an additional 2 minutes and dry with a sterile towel.
SKIN WOUND AND GENERAL SKIN CLEANSING: Do not dilute. Thoroughly rinse the area to be cleaned with water. Apply a minimum amount necessary to cover the skin or would area and wash gently. Rinse again thoroughly.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Gingivitis:

The safety and efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate has not been established in patients less than 18 years old. However, the use of chlorhexidine gluconate may be appropriate in some situations.

15 mL twice daily after brushing. Oral rinse should be retained for 30 seconds then expectorated after rinsing.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Mucositis:

The safety and efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate has not been established in patients less than 18 years old. However, the use of chlorhexidine gluconate may be appropriate in some situations.

15 mL twice daily after brushing. Oral rinse should be retained for 30 seconds then expectorated after rinsing.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Periodontitis:

The safety and efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate has not been established in patients less than 18 years old. However, the use of chlorhexidine gluconate may be appropriate in some situations.

Initial: One 2.5 mg chip inserted into a periodontal pocket with probing pocket depth greater than or equal to 5 mm, up to 8 chips in one visit.

Maintenance: Administration is recommended once every 3 months in pockets with remaining probing depth greater than or equal to 5 mm.


What other drugs will affect chlorhexidine gluconate?


It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.



More chlorhexidine gluconate resources


  • Chlorhexidine gluconate Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Chlorhexidine gluconate Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Chlorhexidine gluconate Support Group
  • 1 Review for Chlorhexidine gluconate - Add your own review/rating


Compare chlorhexidine gluconate with other medications


  • Gingivitis
  • Mucositis
  • Periodontitis


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist or dentist can provide more information about chlorhexidine gluconate.

See also: chlorhexidine gluconate side effects (in more detail)


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