Germicord

• Preoperative Skin Antisepsis: Used primarily for surgical skin preparation to reduce microbial load and prevent surgical site infections.
• Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings: Used as a surgical scrub or antiseptic handwash before invasive procedures.
• Disinfection of Skin for Injections and Invasive Procedures: Applied before venipuncture, catheter insertions, and minor surgical interventions.
• Wound Cleansing: For cleansing and antisepsis of minor wounds, cuts, abrasions, and burns.
• Disinfection of Medical Equipment Surfaces: Used for cleaning and disinfecting non-critical medical instruments and environmental surfaces.

• Topical Use Only: Apply the solution directly to the skin with sterile gauze or applicators.
• Preoperative Preparation: Allow the solution to dry completely (usually 2 minutes) before draping or incision.
• Surgical Hand Scrub: Used as per institutional protocol, typically 2-6 minutes of scrubbing.
• Frequency: Usually applied once before the procedure; for wound cleansing, may be applied 1-2 times daily.
• Special Populations: Caution advised in neonates, elderly, and patients with compromised skin integrity; no specific dose adjustments needed.
• Avoid mucous membranes and open wounds unless specifically directed.

Chlorhexidine gluconate 7.1% is a cationic biguanide antiseptic that binds to negatively charged bacterial cell walls. It disrupts the integrity of the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, leading to leakage of intracellular contents and precipitation of cytoplasmic components, resulting in rapid bactericidal activity. It is effective against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and some enveloped viruses. The drug also adsorbs strongly to skin and mucous membranes, providing persistent antimicrobial effects that last several hours after application.

• Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption through intact skin even at 7.1% concentration.
• Distribution: Primarily remains localized at the application site due to strong protein binding.
• Metabolism: Not metabolized systemically.
• Excretion: Not applicable due to negligible systemic absorption.
• Half-life: Not clinically relevant for topical use.

• Pregnancy: Category B. Topical use considered safe due to minimal systemic absorption; however, avoid application to large wounds or broken skin in pregnancy.
• Lactation: Likely safe; negligible absorption reduces risk to nursing infants. Caution advised in case of extensive skin application.

• Topical antiseptic and disinfectant.

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to chlorhexidine or any formulation excipients.
• Severe skin conditions or dermatitis at the application site.
• Not to be used in the eyes, ears, or mucous membranes unless specifically formulated for such use.
• Avoid use in neonates under 2 months of age unless directed by a physician.

• Avoid contact with eyes, ears, and mucous membranes; may cause severe irritation.
• Allow the solution to dry completely before applying dressings or exposing to heat sources to prevent fire hazards (flammable).
• Rare cases of anaphylaxis reported; monitor patients carefully during initial use.
• Use cautiously in patients with sensitive skin or extensive skin lesions.
• Stop use immediately if severe skin irritation, rash, or allergic reactions occur.
• Not recommended for use on large open wounds without medical supervision.

Common:

• Localized skin irritation, redness, burning sensation, or dryness.
• Mild stinging or itching at the application site.

Serious/Rare:

• Allergic contact dermatitis.
• Anaphylactic reactions (rare).
• Eye irritation on accidental exposure.

• No significant systemic drug interactions due to negligible absorption.
• Inactivated by anionic detergents and soaps; avoid co-administration with such products.
• No known interactions with food or alcohol.

• Chlorhexidine gluconate 7.1% remains a standard agent for preoperative skin antisepsis due to superior efficacy compared to povidone-iodine in reducing surgical site infections.
• Recent guidelines highlight the importance of drying time prior to surgical draping to maximize efficacy and minimize fire risk.
• Increased reporting of hypersensitivity reactions has prompted emphasis on allergy monitoring and patient history evaluation.

• Store at controlled room temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
• Protect from freezing, excessive heat, and direct sunlight.
• Keep container tightly closed and away from ignition sources.
• Avoid contamination by not touching applicators or bottle openings to skin or surfaces.