chlorhexidine gluconate at a glance
Medicine class
Bisbiguanide antiseptic and disinfectant
Usual role
Treating minor skin injuries, superficial burns and infected cracked skin
Administration
For external skin use; smooth gently onto the affected area and cover with a dressing if necessary
Important precaution
Keep away from the eyes, middle ear and body cavities
What is chlorhexidine gluconate used for?
The selected topical cream is licensed for:
Minor burns and scalds
Scratches, cuts and abrasions
Sunburn blisters
Infected cracked skin
How does chlorhexidine gluconate work?
Chlorhexidine binds to bacterial surfaces and disrupts cell-membrane function, causing cellular contents to leak and reducing viable bacteria.
chlorhexidine gluconate preparations and strengths
Cream
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 0.25% w/w
How to take chlorhexidine gluconate
Use only on the skin. Smooth the cream gently onto the affected area; cuts, abrasions or burns may be covered with a dressing if necessary.
Wash hands before and after application unless the hands are being treated.
Avoid the eyes, mouth, vagina, inner ear and other body cavities.
If it enters an eye, rinse immediately and thoroughly with water and seek prompt medical advice.
Follow the pack leaflet or instructions from a healthcare professional.
chlorhexidine gluconate side effects
Common or expected effects
- No common side effects are established for chlorhexidine skin treatments. Local reactions of unknown frequency include itching, redness, dermatitis, eczema, rash, hives, irritation or blisters.
Get urgent medical advice
- A widespread rash or rapidly worsening skin reaction needs prompt assessment.
- Facial or throat swelling, wheezing, breathing difficulty, severe dizziness, fainting or collapse may indicate anaphylaxis and require emergency help.
- Eye exposure can cause serious corneal injury, particularly if pain, redness or visual disturbance develops.
chlorhexidine gluconate in pregnancy
Chlorhexidine products are generally considered acceptable during pregnancy, although safety information is limited. The selected product information advises care, so discuss use with a doctor or pharmacist if pregnant or possibly pregnant.
chlorhexidine gluconate while breastfeeding
Chlorhexidine can generally be used while breastfeeding. Prevent the baby touching treated skin, wash your hands before handling the baby, and completely wash cream from the breast or nipple before feeding.
chlorhexidine gluconate interactions
No interactions with other medicines are known for the selected cream. Evidence concerning herbal and complementary products is limited.
Common questions about chlorhexidine gluconate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is chlorhexidine gluconate cream used for?
The selected cream treats minor burns, scalds, scratches, cuts, abrasions, sunburn blisters and infected cracked skin.
Is chlorhexidine gluconate an antibiotic?
It is an antiseptic antibacterial agent rather than a conventional antibiotic. It acts locally by disrupting bacterial cell-membrane function.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.