What is Chlorhexidine? Uses, warnings & side effects

Follow all the prescriber’s instructions.

• Chlorhexidine skin disinfectant may be prescribed before or after surgery. 

• The clinic may send you home with chlorhexidine skin disinfectant or oral rinse. In some cases, you may need to fill a prescription at the pharmacy.

• The clinic or prescriber may give you written instructions.

• Use this product only at the times prescribed each day. Do not administer extra doses.

If using this product without a prescription, read and follow the package directions.

Use chlorhexidine skin wash only on the skin.

• Do not get this product in the eyes, nose, or mouth.

• Do not use chlorhexidine skin disinfectant on the face. 

• Do not apply to large skin areas unless directed by a healthcare provider.

• Apply chlorhexidine in a well-ventilated environment.

• Rinse and thoroughly dry the skin before use.

• Use 5 mL of liquid and wash the skin vigorously for 15 seconds.

• Completely rinse the liquid off the skin.

Use chlorhexidine liquid on wounds with care.

• Thoroughly rinse the area.

• Apply only a minimal amount of chlorhexidine product to the wound or affected skin.

• Wash the area gently.

• Thoroughly rinse the area with water.

Use chlorhexidine foaming wash only on the hands and forearms.

• Do not use it on any other skin area or for wound care.

• Wet hands.

• Use 5 mL of product and vigorously wash the skin for 15 seconds.

• Rinse thoroughly with water.

Rinse the mouth twice daily (once in the morning, once in the evening) with chlorhexidine oral rinse.

• Brush teeth first.

• Use the measured dose cup to measure doses. 

• Rinse the mouth with 15 mL of undiluted product for 30 seconds.

• Spit out the rinse. Never swallow chlorhexidine oral rinse.

• Do not rinse with water, use mouthwash, brush the teeth, drink liquid, or eat food immediately after using chlorhexidine oral rinse.

If you are sent home with chlorhexidine dressings, follow all the instructions from the doctor or clinic for applying dressings.

Store at room temperature in a closed container out of the reach of children. Do not expose chlorhexidine to excessive heat.

If chlorhexidine is being dosed on a schedule, take a missed dose when remembered.

If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at its regular time.

Chlorhexidine products are not suitable for everyone.

Do not use chlorhexidine products if you have had an allergic reaction to chlorhexidine.

Talk to a healthcare provider if you are pregnant, nursing, or are using chlorhexidine on a child or adolescent.

• Use chlorhexidine skin disinfectant carefully in premature infants or infants younger than 2 months of age.

• Chlorhexidine oral rinse is not FDA-approved for use in children younger than 18 years of age.

Chlorhexidine is toxic.

• Do not swallow chlorhexidine products.

• Do not allow chlorhexidine solution to get into the eyes, ears, nose, or mouth.

• Do not use chlorhexidine on the head or face.

• Do not use chlorhexidine in the genital area.

• Consult with a healthcare professional before using chlorhexidine on wounds that affect more than the superficial layer of the skin.

If chlorhexidine gets in the eyes or ears, immediately rinse it out thoroughly with water.

• Chlorhexidine can cause permanent eye injury or deafness if it gets and stays in the eyes or ears.

Get medical attention or call a poison control center if a child swallows a chlorhexidine product.

• Always supervise children when they are using topical chlorhexidine.

• Symptoms of chlorhexidine exposure include stomach pain and nausea.

Stop using chlorhexidine and talk to a healthcare provider if you experience irritation or an allergic reaction.

Do not use chlorhexidine to treat active skin infections.

Chlorhexidine oral rinse can cause tooth staining, temporary taste changes, or, in rare cases, permanent taste alterations.

Chlorhexidine can stain fabrics. Do not bleach, or the stain will be permanent.

Chlorhexidine has no known drug interactions.

Get medical advice from a healthcare provider if you are using lotions, soaps, shampoos, or deodorants on the same skin areas as chlorhexidine.