Chlorhexidine
Disinfectant and antiseptic / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Chlorhexidine[1] is a disinfectant and antiseptic with the molecular formula C22H30Cl2N10, which is used for skin disinfection before surgery and to sterilize surgical instruments.[2] It is also used for cleaning wounds, preventing dental plaque, treating yeast infections of the mouth, and to keep urinary catheters from blocking.[3] It is used as a liquid or a powder.[2][3] It is commonly used in salt form, either the gluconate[4] or the acetate.[5]
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Pronunciation | klɔː(r)ˈhɛksɪdiːn |
Trade names | Betasept, ChloraPrep, Chlorostat, others |
Other names | CHX, CHG, 1,6-bis(4-chloro-phenylbiguanido)hexane |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
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Routes of administration | Topical |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.000.217 |
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Formula | C22H30Cl2N10 |
Molar mass | 505.45 g·mol−1 |
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Melting point | 134 to 136 °C (273 to 277 °F) |
Solubility in water | 0.8 |
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Side effects may include skin irritation, tooth discoloration, and allergic reactions,[3] although apart from discoloration the risk appears to be the same as povidone-iodine.[6][7] Chlorhexidine rinse is also known to have a bitter metallic aftertaste. Rinsing with water is not recommended as it is known to increase the bitterness.[8] It may cause eye problems if direct contact occurs.[9][10] Use in pregnancy appears to be safe.[11] Chlorhexidine may come mixed in alcohol,[12][13][14] water, or surfactant solution.[3] It is effective against a range of microorganisms, but does not inactivate spores.[2]
Chlorhexidine came into medical use in the 1950s.[15] Chlorhexidine is available over the counter in the United States.[9] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[16][17] In 2021, it was the 247th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 1 million prescriptions.[18][19]