Chlorhexidine Gluconate

Registered South African indications:

• Skin antiseptic

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of its excipients

Cautions

• Contact with eyes, middle ear, meninges and brain
• Use within body cavities

Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: cre

Skin Antiseptic

- Application to broken skin surfaces
- Lubricant for vaginal examinations
- Application to the skin on and around the vulva and perineum during labour

• Topical(cre): Apply liberally to affected area(s); Use undiluted

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To facilitate vaginal examination apply obstetric cream over gloved fingers

No information available

Pregnancy

• No effects during pregnancy are anticipated, since systemic exposure to chlorhexidine gluconate is negligible. Chlorhexidine can be used during pregnancy

Breastfeeding

• Compatible
• No effects on the breastfed newborn/infant are anticipated since the systemic exposure of the breastfeeding woman to chlorhexidine gluconate is negligible. Chlorhexidine can be used during breastfeeding

Renal Impairment

• No dose adjustment recommended

Hepatic Impairment

• No dose adjustment recommended

Elderly            

• No dose adjustment recommended

Porphyria Information

• Not porphyrinogenic (NP)

Drugs in Sport

• Non-regulated product: Authorities caution athletes against the risk of using these products

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

• Dermatitis
• Pruritus
• Erythema
• Eczema
• Rash
• Urticaria
• Skin irritation
• Blisters

Immune, Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders

• Hypersensitivity reactions

• Calcium-containing solutions, lotions, fluids, and creams

None routine

Chlorhexidine is active against gram-positive and gram-negative organisms, facultative anaerobes, aerobes, and yeast. It is both bacteriostatic and bactericidal depending on its concentration. At high concentrations, the bactericidal effect is as a result of binding of this cationic molecule to negatively charged bacterial cell walls and extramicrobial complexes.  At low concentrations, the bacteriostatic effect causes an alteration of bacterial cell osmotic equilibrium and leakage of potassium and phosphorus.

Cream (per g) 10mg

• Hibitane (Glenmark) originator

Cream (per ml) 10mg

• Hibitane Obstetric (Glenmark) originator

Also available in the following forms:  Oral spray and oral rinse.