chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + neomycin at a glance
Medicine class
Topical antiseptic plus aminoglycoside antibiotic
Main role
Clearing nasal staphylococcal infection or carriage and limiting bacterial spread
Where to use
Inside the nostrils only; keep away from the eyes and ears
Availability
Prescription only
What is chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + neomycin used for?
This nasal cream is licensed for:
Eradicating staphylococcal infection in the nose
Eradicating nasal staphylococcal carriage
Preventing carriage and inhibiting staphylococcal dispersal
How does chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + neomycin work?
Chlorhexidine disrupts and kills microorganisms on nasal surfaces. Neomycin blocks bacterial protein production and rapidly kills susceptible bacteria, including staphylococci. Absorption through intact tissue is minimal.
How to take chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + neomycin
Use only inside the nose and follow the prescriber's instructions. Wash your hands, put cream on a fingertip, carefully apply it inside each nostril, then wash your hands again. Keep it out of the eyes and ears. Do not apply immediately after washing your face with soap, as soap residues may reduce its activity.
Do not share the prescribed cream.
Avoid contact with clothing; bleach can produce brown stains on contaminated fabric.
chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + neomycin side effects
Get urgent medical advice
- Signs of anaphylaxis, including facial or throat swelling, breathing difficulty, severe dizziness or collapse
- Severe irritation, marked redness or blistering
- New hearing problems, particularly with prolonged use
- Pain when passing urine or blood in the urine
chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + neomycin in pregnancy
Absorption after nasal application is expected to be very low, and effects on the fetus are considered unlikely. Tell the prescriber if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy so treatment can be reviewed.
chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + neomycin while breastfeeding
An effect on breastfeeding is considered unlikely because chlorhexidine and neomycin are not detectably absorbed after application. Wash your hands after use and discuss concerns with a pharmacist, midwife or prescriber.
chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + neomycin interactions
No interactions with medicines are known, but there is an important practical incompatibility.
Soap and other anionic cleansing agents
They can reduce chlorhexidine activity, so avoid applying the cream immediately after washing your face with soap.
Other medicines
No medicine interactions are known, but tell the prescriber or pharmacist what you use.
Common questions about chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + neomycin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is it prescription only?
Yes. The nasal cream is available on prescription in the UK.
Can it be used in the eyes or ears?
No. It is for nasal use only and must be kept away from the eyes and ears.
What if it gets into my eyes or ears?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.