Chlorhexidine (On the skin)

Introduction:

Chlorhexidine (klor-HEX-i-deen)

Kills bacteria on your skin. It is used as a skin wound cleanser and general skin cleanser before surgery.

Brand Name(s):

Hibiclens, Dyna-Hex, Betasept, Operand Chlorhexidine Gluconate, Dyna-Hex2, Hibistat, Aplicare Antiseptic Chlorhexidine Gluconate, Surgilube

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to chlorhexidine or isopropyl alcohol. This medicine should not be used on a regular basis over large areas of your body. Do not use in your eyes, ears, mouth, or genital area. This medicine should not be used for lumbar punctures or to clean the head and face before having surgery. This medicine should not be used on a baby unless your doctor tells you to.

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Pad, Gel/Jelly, Sponge

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. Do not use on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
  • Many of the over-the-counter (OTC) antibacterial medicines contain small amounts of alcohol. They kill germs without having to rinse your skin with water. Follow the directions on the package for the best results.
  • If the liquid medicine contains a large amount of alcohol (70 percent), avoid getting it into hairy areas of the body where it takes much longer to dry. Wipe the hairy area with a towel to remove extra medicine. Do not allow the liquid to pool or collect in any area of the body. Use the liquid in a well-ventilated place. Do not use it or store it near a flame, heater, or electrical device, and do not use it while you are smoking.
  • Different forms of the medicine are used in different ways. Be sure you understand all the directions before you use them. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions about how to clean and care for your skin or wound before and after you use this medicine.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to a topical antibacterial medicine in the past.
  • This medicine may cause serious and permanent eye injury when placed inside the eyes. It may also cause deafness when placed inside the ears. Carefully follow all instructions before using this medicine to prevent these serious side effects.
  • Some antibacterial skin medicines may cause discoloration of the skin, hair, or nails. Ask your doctor about this if you have any concerns.
  • This medicine may stain clothing. These stains may not be removed by washing. Use only non-chlorine products to wash or bleach fabrics exposed to this medicine. Follow the directions on the package about washing these fabrics.
  • Some of the liquid medicines contain a large amount of alcohol (70 percent) and will be flammable. Use the liquid in a well-ventilated place. Do not use it or store it near a flame, heater, or electrical device, and do not use it while you are smoking.
  • Do not use this medicine for a skin problem that has not been checked by your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • New or worsening skin rash, redness, burning, itching, or swelling in the area where the medicine is applied.
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