Chlorhexidine Gluconate [1%]

• Preoperative Skin Preparation: To reduce skin flora prior to surgical procedures.
• Wound Cleansing and Disinfection: For minor cuts, abrasions, burns, and superficial wounds to prevent infection.
• Hand Hygiene: Surgical hand scrub and hand wash for healthcare personnel.
• Catheter Site Antisepsis: To prevent infections at catheter insertion sites.
• Other Uses: Disinfection of skin prior to injections or invasive procedures.

• Topical Use: Apply directly to the affected area using sterile gauze or cotton swab. Typically, once or twice daily or as directed.
• Surgical Hand Scrub: Use according to institutional protocols, generally for 2 to 6 minutes prior to surgery.
• Catheter Site Preparation: Apply to skin and allow to air dry completely before catheter insertion.
• Special Populations: No dose adjustment needed; caution advised in neonates and elderly due to skin sensitivity.
• Duration: Use until wound healing or as clinically indicated.

Chlorhexidine gluconate is a broad-spectrum cationic antiseptic that binds to negatively charged bacterial cell membranes. At low concentrations, it disrupts membrane permeability causing leakage of intracellular components (bacteriostatic effect). At higher concentrations such as 1%, it causes precipitation and coagulation of cytoplasmic contents leading to bacterial cell death (bactericidal effect). It is effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, some fungi, and viruses, and exhibits persistent antimicrobial activity by adsorbing to the skin and mucosa.

• Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption through intact skin.
• Distribution: Confined locally to the site of application; strong binding to skin proteins.
• Metabolism: Not metabolized systemically when used topically.
• Elimination: Not systemically eliminated due to minimal absorption.
• Half-life: Not clinically significant for topical use.

• Pregnancy: Category B. Topical use is considered safe; systemic exposure is negligible.
• Lactation: Considered safe during breastfeeding; no significant drug excretion into breast milk.

• Topical antiseptic and disinfectant.

• Known hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine or formulation excipients.
• History of allergic dermatitis to chlorhexidine.
• Not to be used in eyes, ears (especially if tympanic membrane perforated), or intravascularly.

• Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
• Discontinue use if severe skin irritation or hypersensitivity reactions occur.
• Rare risk of anaphylaxis; monitor patients closely during first applications.
• Allow solution to dry completely before applying dressings or heat sources due to flammability risk.
• Use cautiously in neonates and elderly due to fragile skin.

Common:

• Local skin irritation, redness, burning, or stinging sensations.
• Dryness or scaling at the application site.

Rare/Serious:

• Allergic contact dermatitis.
• Anaphylactic reactions (rare).
• Eye irritation if accidentally exposed.

• No significant systemic drug interactions expected due to negligible absorption.
• Avoid combining with soaps or anionic detergents that may inactivate chlorhexidine.

• Confirmed as the preferred agent for preoperative skin antisepsis and catheter site preparation to reduce infection rates.
• Increased awareness of rare but serious hypersensitivity reactions, prompting careful patient monitoring.
• Recommendations to limit use in neonates and infants unless clearly indicated.

• Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
• Protect from freezing, heat, and direct sunlight.
• Keep container tightly closed and avoid contamination.
• Keep away from flames or ignition sources due to flammability.