Drug Reference

Chlorhexidine

Antiinfectives

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OTC

Fact box

Therapeutic class
Antiinfectives
Habit forming
No
Availability
Over-the-counter (OTC)

Brand names

AvagardBactoshieldBetaseptCHG Teat DipCalgon VestaChloraPrepDyna-HexE-Z ScrubExidineHibiclensKeto-CKetochlorMal-A-KetMal-A-Ket WipesMalasebMaxiclensMiconaHex+TrizNolvadentNolvasanNupro ChlorhexidineOro ClenseOtodineParoexPeridexPerioChipPeriogardPrevanticsScrub-StatSoluprepStomodine FSuffusionSupremeTru-Blu C-Hex 110Tru-Blu Chlor Hex-Wash

Available as

2 MG/ML3.5 MG/ML · Topical Solution10 MG/ML · Topical Solution10 MG/ML40 MG/ML20 MG/ML31.5 MG/ML12 MG/ML · Topical Solution1 MG/ML40 MG/ML · Topical Solution5 MG/ML23 MG/ML2 MG/ML · Topical Solution30 MG/ML0.8 MG/ML0.02 MG/MG20 MG/ML · Topical Cream0.02 MG/MG · Topical Ointment0.04 MG/MG · Topical Gel1.5 MG/ML0.0045 MG/MG · Topical Gel0.002 MG/MG0.01 MG/MG · Topical Ointment6 MG/ML

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

Uses
Use healthcare personnel handwash: helps reduce bacteria that potentially can cause disease
How to use / dosing
Directions use with care in premature infants and infants under 2 months of age. These products may cause irritation or chemical burns. Healthcare personnel handwash: wet hands with water dispense about 5 mL of product into cupped hands and wash in a vigorous manner for 30 seconds rinse and dry thoroughly

Healthcare personnel handwash: wet hands with water dispense about 5 mL of product into cupped hands and wash in a vigorous manner for 30 seconds rinse and dry thoroughly

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
BreastfeedingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label. Check LactMed →
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
Warnings For external use only Allergy alert: This product may cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms may include: wheezing/difficulty breathing shock facial swelling hives rash If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away. Do not use if you are allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate or any other ingredient in this product When using this product keep out of eyes, ears, and mouth. May cause serious and permanent eye injury if permitted to enter and remain in the eye or may cause deafness when instilled in the middle ear through perforated eardrums. if solution should contact these areas, rinse out promptly and thoroughly with water do not use routinely if you have wounds which involve more than the superficial layers of the skin Stop use and ask a doctor if irritation, sensitization, or allergic reaction occurs. These may be signs of a serious condition. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

127 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Authoritative sources

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.