chlorhexidine acetate: clinical use

Prescribing considerations

• Restrict use to licensed topical antibacterial irrigation or respirator disinfection.
• Confirm the intended site and check for previous reactions to chlorhexidine-containing medicines or devices.
• Prevent migration into the eyes during head or facial procedures.
• In neonates, especially those born prematurely, minimise pooling and prolonged skin contact.

Contraindications and cautions

• Known hypersensitivity to the product or chlorhexidine
• Use in the eye or auditory canal, particularly with a perforated eardrum
• Use near the meninges, brain or spinal cord
• Oral, intravenous or body-cavity administration

Monitoring

• Observe for immediate hypersensitivity during and after exposure.
• Inspect treated skin, particularly in neonates, for irritation or chemical injury.
• After eye exposure, irrigate promptly and arrange ophthalmic assessment.
• No routine laboratory monitoring is specified.

Clinical pharmacology

Chlorhexidine is a cationic bisbiguanide antiseptic. Binding to bacterial surfaces disrupts cytoplasmic membranes and causes leakage or precipitation of intracellular material.

Formulation and product differences

• Sterile, non-pyrogenic aqueous irrigation solution
• Contains water for injections and acetic acid for pH adjustment
• Supplied in pour bottles and form-fill-seal containers; inspect clarity and seal integrity before use