Pack PLR Articles Directory Grenada: chlorhexidine topical

Generic Name: chlorhexidine topical (klor HEX i deen TOP i kal)

Brand Names: Betasept, Biopatch, Calgon Vesta, Chlorostat, Chlorostat 4, Dyna-Hex, Hibiclens, PerioChip, Spectrum-4

What is chlorhexidine topical?

Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic that fights bacteria.

Chlorhexidine topical (for the skin) is used to clean the skin to prevent infection that may be caused by surgery, injection, or skin injury.

Chlorhexidine topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about chlorhexidine topical?

You should not use chlorhexidine topical if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use chlorhexidine topical if you have any allergies to food, dyes, animals, or medicines.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, ears, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina. Chlorhexidine topical is for use only on the skin.

Stop using the medication and call your doctor if you have a skin reaction such as severe burning, itching, redness, blistering, peeling, swelling, rash, or any other severe irritation.

What should I discuss with my health are provider before using chlorhexidine topical?

You should not use chlorhexidine topical if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have any allergies to food, dyes, animals, or medicines.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether chlorhexidine topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether chlorhexidine topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed if you are using this medicine to treat a skin condition in the breast area. Chlorhexidine topical should not be used on a child younger than 2 months old.

How should I use chlorhexidine topical?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Rinse the skin before applying chlorhexidine topical gel or dressing. Apply only enough to cover the area you are treating.

To use chlorhexidine topical soap, apply only enough to cover the area you are treating. Wash the area gently, then rinse thoroughly with plain water. Avoid using over large areas of skin.

Do not apply this medication to deep cuts, scrapes, or open skin wounds. Chlorhexidine topical can also be harmful if it gets in your eyes, ears, mouth, nose, rectum, or vagina.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using chlorhexidine topical.

Some forms of this medicine are flammable. Do not use while you are smoking, or near high heat or open flame. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using chlorhexidine topical?

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, ears, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina. If this does happen, rinse with water. Chlorhexidine topical is for use only on the skin.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with chlorhexidine topical unless you doctor tells you to.

Avoid getting this medication on your clothing or other fabrics. Do not use bleach to wash any fabric exposed to chlorhexidine or the medicine may cause a permanent stain.

Chlorhexidine topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using chlorhexidine topical and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

severe burning, itching, or redness;

blistering or peeling;

swelling or severe skin rash; or

any other severe irritation of treated skin.

Less serious side effects may occur, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Chlorhexidine topical Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Gingivitis:

15 mL twice daily after brushing. Oral rinse should be retained for 30 seconds then expectorated after rinsing.

Usual Adult Dose for Mucositis:

15 mL twice daily after brushing. Oral rinse should be retained for 30 seconds then expectorated after rinsing.

Usual Adult Dose for Periodontitis:

Initial: One 2.5 mg chip inserted into a periodontal pocket with probing pocket depth greater than or equal to 5 mm, up to 8 chips in one visit.

Maintenance: Administration is recommended once every 3 months in pockets with remaining probing depth greater than or equal to 5 mm.

Usual Adult Dose for Skin Disinfection, Preoperative:

Chlorhexidine gluconate 2% cloth:
Patient preoperative skin preparation:
Hold package in one hand and lift flap on backside of package with the other hand. Grasp flap at top and pull down to tear flap away and expose foam. Alternatively, using sterile scissors, cut off end seal of package. Transfer contents onto prep table, avoiding contact between cloths and outside of package to reduce risk of cloth contamination. Use the first cloth to prepare the skin area indicated for a moist or dry site, making certain to keep the second cloth where it will not be contaminated. Use the second cloth to prepare larger areas.
DRY SURGICAL SITES: (such as the abdomen or arm): Use one cloth to cleanse each 161 cm2 area (approximately 5 x 5 inches) of skin to be prepared. Vigorously scrub skin back and forth for 3 minutes, completely wetting treatment area, then discard. Allow area to air dry for one minute. Do not rinse.
MOIST SURGICAL SITES: (such as the inguinal fold): Use one cloth to cleanse each 65 cm2 area (approximately 2 x 5 inches) of skin to be prepared. Vigorously scrub skin back and forth for 3 minutes, completely wetting treatment area, then discard. Do not rinse.

Chlorhexidine gluconate 4% solution:
SURGICAL HAND SCRUB: Do not dilute. Wet hands and forearms with water and scrub for 3 minutes with about 5 ml and a wet brush, paying close attention to the nails, cuticles, and interdigital spaces. Wash for an additional 3 minutes with 5 ml and rinse under running water. Dry thoroughly.
HEALTHCARE PERSONNEL HANDWASH: Do not dilute. Wet hands with water. Dispense about 5 ml into cupped hands and wash in a vigorous manner for 15 seconds. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
PATIENT PREOPERATIVE SKIN PREPARATION: Do not dilute. Apply liberally to surgical site and swab for at least 2 minutes. Dry with a sterile towel. Repeat procedure for an additional 2 minutes and dry with a sterile towel.
SKIN WOUND AND GENERAL SKIN CLEANSING: Do not dilute. Thoroughly rinse the area to be cleaned with water. Apply a minimum amount necessary to cover the skin or would area and wash gently. Rinse again thoroughly.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Gingivitis:

Usual Pediatric Dose for Mucositis:

Usual Pediatric Dose for Periodontitis:

The safety and efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate has not been established in patients less than 18 years old. However, the use of chlorhexidine gluconate may be appropriate in some situations.

Initial: One 2.5 mg chip inserted into a periodontal pocket with probing pocket depth greater than or equal to 5 mm, up to 8 chips in one visit.

Maintenance: Administration is recommended once every 3 months in pockets with remaining probing depth greater than or equal to 5 mm.

What other drugs will affect chlorhexidine topical?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied chlorhexidine topical. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Compare chlorhexidine topical with other medications

Gingivitis
Mucositis
Periodontitis

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about chlorhexidine topical.

See also: chlorhexidine side effects (in more detail)

Pack PLR Articles Directory Grenada

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

chlorhexidine topical