Chlorhexidine: What is it and what is it for?

What is chlorhexidine?

Chlorhexidine (chlorhexidine gluconate in its salt form), is a chemical compound with antiseptic effect used as a medicine in dentistry, for its action against bacteria in the oral cavity. (1)

What is chlorhexidine for?

• Chlorhexidine is used for the prevention or treatment of some conditions or diseases in the oral cavity, caused by the proliferation of bacteria and microorganisms, inhibiting their growth and development, maintaining oral hygiene.
• It is used to treat:
  • Periodontitis.
  • Plaque on the teeth. (2)
  • Gingivitis. (3)
  • Colonization of oral bacteria after some dental treatments.
  • The disproportionate colonization of bacteria on thegums.
  • Disinfection of wounds and burns.

Dosage and routes of administration of chlorhexidine

Chlorhexidine is marketed as amouthwash or mouthwash (solution), in concentrations of 0.20, 0.12 and 0.05%, with a 15 ml dispensing cup. The route of administration istopical buccalwithout ingesting, according to the following guidelines:

• In children with permanent dentures and adults: 15 ml according to the measurement of the measuring cup, twice a day according to the indication of the dentist.

What products contain chlorhexidine?

Some of the medicines that contain chlorhexidine are:

• Chlorxyl®
• Cristalcrom®
• Hibiscrub®
• Normosept®

Chlorxyl®

• Chlorxyl®is an antiseptic used exclusively for the skin, since it contains chlorhexidine in a concentration of 10mg/ml.
• It is used for skin disinfection , erosions, minor burns, small superficial wounds and scratches.

Cristalcrom®

• Cristalcrom® is a pharmaceutical product with topical antiseptic action, which acts against a wide spectrum of gram- positive and
• It is indicated for the disinfection ofand in wounds and in the prevention of skin infections.

Hibiscrub®

• Hibiscrub® is a medication for skin use, with a high antiseptic and disinfectant power whose active ingredient is chlorhexidine digluconate.
• It is used to wash hands in surgery and as a pre and post-operative skin antiseptic.

Normosept®

• Normosept® is a medication that contains chlorhexidine as the active ingredient.
• It is used by medicine as an antiseptic for wounds and minor skin burns.

Chlorhexidine Side Effects

The use of products with chlorhexidine can cause certain adverse effects in some patients, such as the following:

• Possible allergic reactions due to contact with any component of the formula.
• Irritation of the mucous membranes.
• Changes in the sense of taste.
• Possible staining of the teeth.
• Possible inflammation of the lymphatic glands.
• Possible skin rashes, hives and itching.
• Possible swelling of the face and difficulty breathing.

Important: If you notice the appearance of any of these symptoms or another not included in the list, stop using it and consult your dentist.

Contraindications and warnings of chlorhexidine

Chlorhexidine is contraindicated in the following cases:

• Hypersensitivity to any of the components of chlorhexidine.

You should know: Provide sufficient information to your doctor about your health history, before starting treatment with chlorhexidine.

Avoid if you have:

• Any allergic reaction that has not been identified.

Warnings:

• Do not take this product without prescription or prescription.
• This chemical is not a substitute for brushing or flossing.
• This drug should not be ingested.
• Clinical data indicate that the use of chlorhexidine for more than 6 continuous months is not recommended.
• Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.