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cetrimide + chlorhexidine acetate: topical antiseptic wound cleansing | iatroX

Medicinescetrimide + chlorhexidine acetate

Medicine guide

cetrimide + chlorhexidine acetate

topical antiseptic wound cleansing

A topical antiseptic irrigation solution used to cleanse and disinfect wounds, support antiseptic treatment of burns and for certain clinician-led swabbing procedures.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC

Reviewed byiatroX editorial team

Last reviewed19 Aug 2026

Also known asChlorhexidine+Cetrimide

Overview Clinical detail

On this page

At a glance Uses

How cetrimide + chlorhexidine acetate works

Get urgent help for severe allergy or eye exposure

Stop use and call 999 for breathing difficulty, collapse, severe dizziness or sudden swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. After eye exposure, rinse immediately and thoroughly with water and seek prompt medical assessment for pain, redness, irritation or altered vision. Seek medical assistance if swallowed.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC UK Government NHS

cetrimide + chlorhexidine acetate at a glance

Medicine class

Antiseptic and disinfectant.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC

Form

Clear, yellow, sterile aqueous irrigation solution for topical use.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC

Administration

Used undiluted externally. Do not swallow, inject or allow it into the eyes.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC

What is cetrimide + chlorhexidine acetate used for?

Licensed uses of this irrigation solution include:

Cleansing and disinfecting wounds.

Antiseptic treatment of burns.

Swabbing in obstetrics, gynaecology and urology.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC

Mechanism, explained

How does cetrimide + chlorhexidine acetate work?

Chlorhexidine disrupts bacterial cell membranes, causing cell contents to leak. Cetrimide adds antibacterial and cleansing action that helps remove contamination.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC PubMed

How to take cetrimide + chlorhexidine acetate

Apply topically rather than taking it by mouth. Use undiluted and only as directed by the responsible healthcare professional.

Check that the solution is clear and the container and seal are intact.

Keep away from the eyes, mouth, auditory canal and tissues around the brain or spinal cord.

Do not inject or swallow.

Prevent excess solution from pooling, particularly in skin folds or beneath a patient.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC

If you miss a dose of cetrimide + chlorhexidine acetate

No specific missed-application instructions are provided. Ask the treating clinician or pharmacist if an intended application was missed.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC

cetrimide + chlorhexidine acetate side effects

Common or expected effects

Rash or local skin irritation can occur; no common side effects are specifically established for this solution.

Get urgent medical advice

Severe allergic reaction, including wheezing, breathing difficulty, swelling, low blood pressure, collapse or loss of consciousness.
Eye-surface injury and potentially permanent visual impairment after eye exposure.
Chemical skin burns in newborn babies, especially premature infants.
Widespread rash or marked inflammation at the application site.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC NHS UK Government

cetrimide + chlorhexidine acetate in pregnancy

Chlorhexidine products are generally considered acceptable during pregnancy, and harmful effects have not been reported. Product information advises an individual benefit–risk assessment, so use this solution on a healthcare professional's advice.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC NHS

cetrimide + chlorhexidine acetate while breastfeeding

Chlorhexidine treatments are considered compatible with breastfeeding, but product-specific data for this solution are limited. Obtain professional advice, prevent the baby touching treated skin and wash your hands before handling or feeding the baby.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC NHS

cetrimide + chlorhexidine acetate interactions

Important interactions are mainly local incompatibilities that can reduce antiseptic activity.

Soaps and anionic detergents

Can inactivate chlorhexidine; do not mix them with the solution.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC

Alkaline preparations and tannins

Can reduce chlorhexidine's antiseptic action.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC

Blood and other organic matter

Contamination can reduce or inactivate chlorhexidine activity.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC

Common questions about cetrimide + chlorhexidine acetate

Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.

Is it an antibiotic?

It is a topical antiseptic and disinfectant, not a systemic antibiotic.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC

Can it be used in the eye?

No. Rinse accidental exposure immediately with plenty of water and seek prompt advice for symptoms or visual changes.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC UK Government

Can it be used in the ear?

It must not be used in the auditory canal, particularly if the eardrum may be perforated.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC

Explore related medicine guides

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Sources

These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPCSummary of Product Characteristics · emc

UK GovernmentReputable Web · UK Government

NHSNHS medicine guidance · NHS

PubMedReputable Web · PubMed

NHSNHS medicine guidance · NHS

Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.

Explore this medicine

Overview Clinical detail At a glance Uses How cetrimide + chlorhexidine acetate works How to take it Side effects Pregnancy Breastfeeding

Other additives

Do not mix unless compatibility has been established.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC NHS

Can it be swallowed?

No. It is for topical use only; seek medical assistance after accidental swallowing.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC

Should the solution be diluted?

No. This irrigation solution is used undiluted for topical application.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC

Can it be mixed with soap?

No. Soap and other anionic materials can inactivate chlorhexidine.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC

Is it suitable for newborn babies?

Chlorhexidine solutions can cause chemical burns in newborns, especially premature infants. Use should be limited to specialist units familiar with this risk.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC

Can a cloudy solution or damaged container be used?

No. Use only if the solution is clear and the container and seal are intact.

Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution — Current selected SmPC

NHSNHS medicine guidance · NHS

Interactions

Common questions

Sources

Use in context. Check current authorised UK product information, local policy and patient-specific factors before prescribing or changing treatment.