What is Chlorhexidine for?

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Chlorhexidine bigluconate: why, when and how to use the product?

Chlorhexidine is an inexpensive and effective antiseptic that is used in many areas. They can be used to treat mucous membranes, open wounds, and skin.

Table of contents:

Chlorhexidine is often used to treat bacterial throat diseases.

The peculiarity of this drug is its affordable price and at the same time quite high efficiency. Chlorhexidine is considered a fairly safe drug, but compliance with the dosage during use is mandatory.

Composition, properties, use of the drug

Chlorhexidine Bigluconate is a broad-spectrum antiseptic.

Chlorhexidine has a pronounced antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect. In most cases, it is used to destroy pathogenic bacteria and fungi, since it is ineffective against viruses. They treat not only the skin and mucous membranes, but also all household surfaces for disinfection purposes.

Many people know how to use Chlorhexidine Bigluconate and what it is needed for. This drug has long been on the list of essentials and is in almost every first aid kit.

The drug is available in the form of a solution of 0.05% chlorhexidine bigluconate, as well as a spray and even rectal suppositories. The concentration of the drug may vary, so you need to check the dosage with your doctor and pharmacist. Chlorhexidine is also produced in the form of a gel and a concentrated solution (20%), which is used exclusively for disinfection of premises.

The drug can be used in the following cases:

  • For the treatment of nail fungus. The drug is considered one of the most effective in treating nail fungus, as it can destroy it in just 3-4 applications. The drug does not contain dyes and has no unpleasant odor.
  • For the treatment of herpes simplex virus. Viruses are quite resistant to the action of Chlorhexidine, but the herpes virus is sensitive to it. They are recommended to treat ulcers.
  • For the treatment of bacterial throat diseases. Most often, Chlorhexidine is prescribed for bacterial tonsillitis to rinse the throat and tonsils from pus.
  • For hygienic hand treatment. The drug is used to treat the hands of food industry workers, as well as medical workers.
  • For the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. The drug is quite effective in the fight against STDs. In gynecology and venereology, it is recommended for the treatment of gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and chlamydia.

The main property of the drug is to destroy pathogenic bacteria and fungi without affecting the positive microflora. Chlorhexidine promotes the death of microbes and prevents their reproduction.

How and why is Chlorhexidine used in ENT practice?

The solution is used to treat throat diseases caused by bacterial infection

Doctors often prescribe gargling with Chlorhexidine solution for children and adults in the presence of a bacterial infection. Its signs are severe sore throat, sore throat, dry cough, hyperthermia, redness of the throat, swelling of the tonsils, and the appearance of purulent plaque or pustules.

In this case, Chlorhexidine has not only an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, but also a partial analgesic effect.

Indications for the use of Chlorhexidine are:

  • Angina. This is the most common remedy for local treatment of sore throat. The most common causative agent of this disease is streptococcal bacteria. As a result, white pustules appear on the mucous membrane of the throat and tonsils. Chlorhexidine helps fight infection at the local level, clear the mucous membrane of pus and soften plugs for their further removal.
  • Pharyngitis. Inflammation of the pharynx can be caused by both viruses and bacteria and fungi. Chlorhexidine is most effective for purulent pharyngitis. Some types of this disease exclude the use of Chlorhexidine (for example, allergic pharyngitis), so you should consult your doctor before using the drug.
  • Laryngitis. The inflammatory process of the larynx is often accompanied by a change in voice. Chlorhexidine is effective for acute laryngitis, but is not recommended for its atrophic form, when the laryngeal mucosa is thinned.
  • ORZ. In some cases, it is recommended to treat the throat with Chlorhexidine even if the disease is viral in nature, if there is a high probability of complications and the addition of a bacterial infection.

The drug cleanses the throat mucosa, helping to destroy pathogenic bacteria. Contrary to existing opinion, Chlorhexidine does not suppress the growth of its own microflora and does not provoke atrophic processes.

To avoid side effects, you must adhere to the dosage prescribed by your doctor. The drug is safe for children and pregnant women, but only if the instructions are followed.

Rules of application

It is recommended for adults to gargle 3-4 times a day.

The drug is applied undiluted to the skin and nails. It does not penetrate the skin, so it is completely safe. It is impossible to cause an overdose in this way.

To treat wounds or disinfect skin, Chlorhexidine in the form of a spray or solution is applied directly to the skin area and distributed with the palm of the hand or a cotton pad. When using the spray, you do not need to touch the skin; it is convenient for burns and other injuries.

If we talk about gargling with Chlorhexidine, then there are some rules that should be followed:

  1. Before starting the procedure, you need to thoroughly rinse your mouth with clean water. This will help wash away a little pus and food debris.
  2. There is no need to dilute the drug. And pharmacies sell a ready-made solution of Chlorhexidine (0.02 or 0.05%). If it is a spray, it is enough to simply irrigate your throat with it without rinsing it with water afterwards.
  3. To gargle, one tablespoon of the drug is enough. They take it into the mouth and, without swallowing, throw back their head, making the sound R for a minute. Then the drug must be spat out.
  4. A child can only gargle if he already understands this process and can spit out the drug on his own. As a rule, Chlorhexidine is used to treat children over 5 years of age.
  5. The child’s mucous membrane is quite sensitive, so the drug must be diluted in a 1:1 ratio.
  6. Immediately after the procedure, you should not smoke, eat or drink for 1-1.5 hours. You need to give your throat peace, try to talk less.
  7. The course of treatment is a week. You cannot extend the course without a doctor’s recommendation. During the day, it is necessary to carry out 5 rinses for an adult and 3-4 for a child.

It is worth remembering that treatment must be comprehensive. It is impossible to cure a sore throat solely by gargling, so you should not stop taking antibacterial drugs. If complications occur, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, inhalations with Chlorhexidine can be done. The drug solution is added to the nebulizer and given 2 inhalations per day.

Contraindications and side effects

The solution cannot be used for more than 7 days

The drug has virtually no contraindications, other than individual intolerance to the active substance. It is not recommended to use it to treat children under 5 years of age, as well as for various atrophic and allergic throat diseases.

Chlorhexidine should not be used to treat nasal mucosa. The effectiveness of such treatment will be quite low, but side effects in the form of nosebleeds may occur. Chlorhexidine has a slight drying effect, so it is not used to treat otitis media, sinusitis, or eye diseases.

Side effects of Chlorhexidine include:

  • Feeling dry. The first time after rinsing, you may feel a feeling of tightness and dryness in your throat. Drinking after rinsing is not recommended. If dryness and cough worsen, you need to consult a doctor and choose a different drug. If you use Chlorhexidine in prescribed dosages and for no more than a week, dryness can be avoided.
  • Darkening of tooth enamel. Chlorhexidine, when used for a long time, can cause darkening of tooth enamel, but this is a temporary effect. After the course of treatment is completed, the enamel brightens and takes on a natural shade.
  • Taste disturbance. Also, long-term use of the drug may cause changes in taste sensations. This is a temporary effect of the drug that disappears on its own after its discontinuation.
  • Insomnia. In some cases, patients noted that during treatment with Chlorhexidine they had problems sleeping. You should consult your doctor about this side effect.

More information about the drug Chlorhexidine can be found in the video:

Chlorhexidine is considered safe for children and pregnant women, but it is not recommended to ingest it. Most doctors agree that gastric lavage is not necessary. If some of the drug gets into the stomach, just drink a lot of water and a few tablets of activated carbon. The drug does not have a toxic effect on the body.

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Comments (4)

Alexander

11/28/2017 at 12:07 pm | #

I have been using Chlorhexidine relatively recently. This drug appeared in my medicine cabinet relatively recently, thanks to the advice of a pharmacist friend. I had a sore throat for several weeks and my voice was hoarse. I bought several well-known and expensive drugs, but all my attempts to recover were in vain. Chlorhexidine helped in just a few days. My voice became normal, and the pain in my throat that tormented me went away. I would never have thought to use it, because Chlorhexidine is recommended for external use.

Now this “penny”, but effective remedy is firmly established in my first aid kit. At the slightest discomfort in my throat, I definitely gargle. No unpleasant taste or smell. I irrigate my throat from a tube and gargle without swallowing.

It turns out that many doctors recommend it. Use it, don't be afraid. And don't get sick!

12/07/2017 at 23:22 | #

Interesting, I didn’t even know that chlorhexidine is used to treat throat diseases) I usually use it as a disinfectant for wounds, as well as for stomatitis. I also used it to treat fresh and not yet healed tattoos)

Victoria

01/06/2018 at 12:40 | #

I’ve been using chlorhexidine for a long time, I used Miramistin before, but why overpay when chlorhexidine does an excellent job with a sore throat. I also used it when my gums became inflamed, and it quickly healed.

Christina

01/29/2018 at 23:20 | #

I use chlorhexidine to treat anything at all) It is actually universal and very effective as a disinfectant. But most of all I like to use it for any damage to the oral cavity - everything heals very quickly when rinsing with it. It also works great for throat problems.

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How to use chlorhexidine at home

Among other antiseptic drugs, chlorhexidine has taken a worthy place not only in medical practice, but also in home medicine cabinets. How to use chlorhexidine and what can it be used for, besides treating wounds?

What is chlorhexidine

The aqueous solution of the drug contains chlorhexidine bigluconate and is intended for external use. Chlorhexidine has high bactericidal activity, effective against gram-positive and gram-negative strains, protozoa, microbial spores, as well as against some viruses and fungi.

By entering into chemical interaction with active groups on the surface of the membranes of pathological flora, chlorhexidine causes the destruction of the latter and the death of bacterial cells.

The activity of the drug increases with increasing temperature (not higher than 100°C) in the presence of ethyl alcohol. It is not recommended to use chlorhexidine simultaneously with iodine solution. The presence of blood and suppuration in the wound is not an obstacle to treatment, although it somewhat reduces the effectiveness of the drug.

It has a long shelf life, is cheap and is available in pharmacies without a prescription. It is odorless, tasteless, leaves no traces and does not cause pain when it comes into contact with a wound, and does not affect wound healing or scarring. The list of contraindications and side effects is minimal.

Indications for use

Chlorhexidine bigluconate is available in various dosage forms:

Aqueous solutions with a concentration of 0.05 -0.2% percent are used in medical practice; solutions with higher concentrations are used to sterilize medical instruments.

Treatment and treatment of wounds

Skin damage (wounds, abrasions, scratches) is treated with a weak solution of chlorhexidine. It does not stop bleeding, so if necessary, apply a pressure bandage to the wound.

Since wound treatment not only disinfects the surface, but also cools it, the solution is also used for 1st-2nd degree burns.

Dried bandages are moistened with an aqueous solution, calluses are treated after a puncture, piercings to prevent suppuration of the puncture site, and skin after removing a splinter.

Sanitation of the oral cavity

To disinfect the throat and nasopharynx, the oral cavity should be rinsed with a weak solution of chlorhexidine when:

  • tooth extraction
  • stomatitis
  • inflammation of the gums
  • tonsillitis and chronic sore throat
  • fistulas and abscesses in the oral cavity

The concentration of the mouthwash solution should not be higher than 0.25 mg/ml. With prolonged use, darkening of tooth enamel is observed.

Dentists recommend chlorhexidine solution as a means to get rid of bad breath. You can add 2-3 drops of food flavoring or a drop of essential oil to it.

A runny nose is treated by rinsing the nasal sinuses with a weak solution of the drug.

In gynecology

The drug solution is widely used in gynecology and obstetric practice. Indications for use are:

  1. Treatment and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis, syphilis, gonorrhea, genital herpes, HIV).
  2. Colpitis, vulvovaginitis, bacterial vaginosis.
  3. Sanitation of the genital tract.
  4. Treatment of the genital tract in the postoperative period.

For cervical erosion, chlorhexidine solution is used for douching. The procedure is carried out lying on your back, legs apart and bent at the knees. Course duration is 5-7 days.

For thrush and for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, cotton swabs soaked in a chlorhexidine solution are placed in the vagina. Also, vaginal gel and suppositories with chlorhexidine are used against fungus and sexually transmitted infections.

In urology

In urology, chlorhexidine is used for antiseptic measures for balanoposthitis, balanitis, as well as for sanitation of the bladder before surgical procedures (for example, cytoscopy).

For acne and boils

Chlorhexidine is used to treat acne, acne, pustular rashes, inflammation of the skin, and mycoses caused by fungi. The medicine can be used both at the stage of pimple formation and after opening pimples and boils for sanitation and prevention of inflammation.

For eczema and various types of dermatitis, the use of chlorhexidine is not recommended. Abuse of the drug in other cases can provoke skin itching, peeling, and new rashes.

Under the influence of chlorhexidine, the skin's sensitivity to sunlight increases.

In veterinary medicine

A special antimicrobial shampoo with chlorhexidine is used to treat pets - cats and dogs with bacterial, fungal, mixed and atopic skin lesions.

How to dilute chlorhexidine

Pharmacies sell the drug in various concentrations. The minimum dosage is 0.05% and 0.1% - ready-made forms, they do not need to be diluted, and 5% and 20% are concentrates that need dilution.

For this purpose, distilled or boiled water is used.

  1. 5% solution:
  • Bring 0.4 ml of the drug to 200 ml with water to obtain 0.01%;
  • Bring 2 ml of the drug with water to 200 ml to obtain 0.05%;
  • 4 ml of the drug and 196 ml of water to obtain 0.1%;
  • 8 ml chlorhexidine and 192 ml water to get 0.2%;
  • 20 ml of the drug and 180 ml of water to get 0.5%;
  • 40 ml of the drug and 160 ml of water – 1%;
  • 80 ml chlorhexidine and 120 ml water – 2%
  1. 20% solution:
  • to obtain a 0.01% solution you need 0.1 ml of the drug and 199.9 ml of water;
  • for 0.05% you need 0.5 ml of chlorhexidine and 199.5 ml of water;
  • 0.1% 1 ml of the drug and 199 ml of water;
  • 0.2% solution – 2 ml of the drug and 198 ml of water;
  • 0.5% solution – 5 ml of the drug and 195 ml of water;
  • 1% solution – 10 ml of chlorhexidine and 190 ml of water;
  • 2% solution – 20 ml of the drug and 180 ml of water;
  • 5% solution – 50 ml of the drug and 150 ml of water.

Chlorhexidine is a popular, inexpensive, effective and safe remedy that is useful to have in your home medicine cabinet, however, with long-term use, you should consult a doctor to avoid side effects.

Source: http://inet-health.ru/kak-primenyat-hlorgeksidin/

Chlorhexidine

whether to treat with chlorhexidine and

Is this effective?

My question is this: in the contraindications for suppositories it is written that the effect on the child during feeding is not known, are there suppositories alternative to Hexicon, where use is possible during breastfeeding. Thanks in advance, Olga.

Different doctors give different prescriptions.

— 20% formalin (I can’t find it in Moscow pharmacies)

– 7% acetic acid

The information provided is intended for medical and pharmaceutical professionals, should not be used for treatment and cannot be considered as official. The most accurate information about the drug is contained in the instructions supplied with the packaging by the manufacturer. No information posted on this or any other page of our website can serve as a substitute for personal contact with a specialist.

Please pay attention to the specified dates for entering information; information may become outdated.

Recommendations: what is chlorhexidine used for?

The search for a pill to cure all diseases has not yet yielded results. But the World Health Organization has created a list of essential drugs. They also included chlorhexidine. This is a powerful antiseptic to combat microorganisms on the surface of the skin and some mucous membranes.

Everyone is already accustomed to resorting to medications about which little is known. Often such medications are underestimated.

  • Doctors can best answer what chlorhexidine is used for.
  • This antibacterial agent is available in the form of solutions, suppositories, and gels.
  • Without it, it is impossible to imagine undergoing an operation, preventing sexually transmitted diseases, or disinfecting.
  • Any skin damage can be disinfected with this product - an abrasion, a wound (if it is not an open head injury or an eye disease), a scratch, a bite.

To do this, you can use a chlorhexidine solution or gel.

The product has also proven itself in the treatment of acne.

  1. For treating the mucous surface of the oral cavity.
  2. Stomatitis and gingivitis caused by pathogenic microorganisms will go away much faster.
  3. Treatment of damaged skin areas after cosmetic procedures such as ear piercing, navel piercing (healing of the umbilical wound of newborns), as well as tattooing.

For disinfecting common objects, washing hands in nature, before surgery. Disinfection – in the operating room, patient’s room.

Important! An interesting feature of the product is its “indifference” to soap procedures. Soap does not completely wash away the substance, so it continues to protect the “user” from dangerous microorganisms for some time. The only undesirable combination is the use of this antiseptic with iodine. Their “enmity” can result in dermatitis and burns for a person.

  • Despite the wide range of its (almost limitless) influence, the antiseptic has contraindications and has not been sufficiently studied for use by pregnant women and children.
  • But the manufacturers claim that it is not contraindicated at any period of interest.
  • The decision is made by the doctor.

It is better to check with the specialist who prescribed it how to use chlorhexidine.

To combat possible sexually transmitted diseases (no later than 2 hours after intimacy), a 0.05% solution (5 to 10 ml) is injected into the vagina for 3 minutes.

  • For men, a dose of 1–2 ml is recommended. The surface of the thighs and genitals is also treated with the product. For diseases of the genitourinary system, do the same, only twice a day for 10 days.
  • The dentist and ENT specialist may also recommend treating the mouth with chlorhexidine or gargling with a weak solution.
  • But it is better to give preference to soda-salt rinses.

This is due to the possible staining of teeth in a dark color.

Despite the vital function of this antiseptic, it has a number of side effects (darkening of the enamel, the ability to cause burns of the mucous membranes) and contraindications (sensitivity, allergies). Any treatment is like a team game, where you cannot do without a doctor and certainly cannot win.

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Use of Chlorhexidine

Chlorhexidine, or more precisely, Chlorhexidine bigluconate, is a broad-spectrum antiseptic. It has a rather complex chemical formula and chemical name, abbreviated gross formula C22H30Cl2N10. Has a bactericidal effect. Effective against:

— bacteria: treponema, chlamydia, ureaplasma, gonococcus, gardnerella, gram-negative anaerobic rod-shaped bacteria (except for mycobacterium tuberculosis);

— causative agents of fungal diseases – yeasts and dermatophytes;

- herpes simplex virus.

Does not affect bacterial and fungal spores.

Release forms

Application

Contraindications and special instructions

Chlorhexidine remains active in the presence of blood and organic matter (pus). Do not allow chlorhexidine to come into contact with the eyes (with the exception of a special dosage form intended for washing the eyes), as well as contact with the meninges and the auditory nerve (for example, in case of traumatic brain injury).

Readers of MirSovetov should pay attention to the fact that Chlorhexidine is incompatible with soap and detergents (for example, containing lauryl sulfate), therefore:

  • Do not mix chlorhexidine with cleaning solutions;
  • When used externally, rinse off any remaining soap very thoroughly;
  • During treatment with Hexicon suppositories, only toilet the external genitalia and do not douche.

Chlorhexidine is not compatible with iodine.

Chlorhexidine is compatible with ethyl alcohol, benzalkonium chloride (contained in the topical contraceptives Pharmatex and Benatex).

Directions for use and doses

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Chlorhexidine

Application

Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic intended for topical use. Inhibits the vital activity of bacteria, herpes virus and protozoa. Spores, lactobacilli and all viruses except herpes are immune to the drug. In the presence of blood and pus, the effectiveness of the drug decreases, but only slightly. Chlorhexidine is available in pharmacies without a prescription.

Diseases for which chlorhexidine is used

Chlorhexidine is used for the following purposes:

  • Treatment of burns, wounds, scratches, abrasions and other injuries.
  • Acne treatment.
  • Sterilization of medical instruments and hands of medical staff before surgery, as well as all equipment that cannot be sterilized by thermal methods.
  • Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. You can use the drug instead of a condom only occasionally. Regular use causes irritation of mucous membranes.
  • Treatment of the oral cavity after dental procedures.
  • Treatment of colpitis, urethritis, urethroprostatitis.
  • Treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
  • Treatment before operations in gynecology and obstetrics.
  • Prevention of inflammation and infections in the postoperative period.
  • Treatment of sexually transmitted infections.
  • Treatment of diseases that are accompanied by inflammatory processes and the formation of pus.
  • Preventive application to the skin to protect against infections in public places or outdoors.
  • Disinfection of premises.
  • Treatment of pharyngitis, tonsillitis and other diseases related to otolaryngology.

Instructions for use of chlorhexidine

As an antiseptic, the drug is used for local and external treatment.

Varieties of chlorhexidine

Chlorhexidine is available in the form of solutions, gels and vaginal suppositories.

Chlorhexidine dosage

  • Prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Introduce 1 suppository no later than 2 hours after sexual intercourse. Treatment with solution: inject 1-2 ml of solution into the urethra for women and 2-3 mm for men. After this, it is recommended not to urinate for 2 hours. Inject 5-10 ml of solution into the vagina at the same time. After 2-3 minutes, wash the solution. Wipe nearby areas of skin with the solution.
  • Treatment of sexually transmitted infections. The course lasts 7-10 days. Use 1 suppository every day. In some cases, if necessary, the drug can be taken for up to 20 days.
  • Local application (on the skin). Gels and solutions are applied 2-3 times a day.
  • Complex treatment. The solution is administered every other day for 10 days. 1-2 times a day, 2-3 ml of solution is injected into the urethra.
  • Treatment with suppositories. Depending on the type of disease and its course, the course lasts from 7 to 20 days. Suppositories are administered 3-4 times a day.

Side effects of chlorhexidine

  • Itching and redness of the skin.
  • Increased sensitivity to sunlight.
  • Vaginal bleeding is rare when using suppositories.
  • Allergic reaction.
  • Skin stickiness.
  • Dermatitis.
  • Side effects when using chlorhexidine are rare.

Contraindications for chlorhexidine

  • Hypersensitivity to individual components.
  • Children's age (use with extreme caution).
  • Wound treatment for perforation of the eardrum, open head injury and spinal cord injury.
  • Pregnancy, breastfeeding (use with extreme caution).

Chlorhexidine during pregnancy

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the drug should be used only with the permission of a doctor. There are no absolute contraindications, but caution is required.

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Chlorhexidine - instructions, use, reviews

Chlorhexidine (lat. Chlorhexidinum) is an antiseptic for topical use. In Russia it is produced mainly in the form of bigluconate.

Available in the form of solutions, aerosols, vaginal suppositories, external gels and creams. The drug is effective against a wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, fungi, and some viruses. Has a bactericidal effect on pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases.

Indicated for the purpose of preventing STDs, for purulent-inflammatory processes of the skin or mucous membranes, for treating surgeon's hands, and sterilizing medical instruments. After application to the body, chlorhexidine continues to remain active for several hours.

Story

Chlorhexidine was synthesized in 1947. The formula for the drug was randomly developed by English scientists during the search for new antimalarial drugs. It turned out that the substance with experimental number “10 040” has a high affinity for the cell walls of bacteria and quickly causes their destruction. The new compound was patented as an antiseptic.

In 1954, the English pharmaceutical company Imperial Chemical Industries released the first medicinal solution of chlorhexidine bigluconate under the trade name Gibitan. Initially, the product was intended for disinfection of skin and wound surfaces, but after 3 years the range of its indications was significantly expanded. "Gibitan" began to be actively used in gynecology, urology, otolaryngology and ophthalmology.

In 1959, chlorhexidine was proposed for use in the treatment of the oral cavity, which led to its spread in dental practice.

Over time, the antiseptic began to find more and more widespread use. In the 80s it was allowed to be added to cosmetic products and lubricants. In 1993, chlorhexidine wipes were introduced to the US market for both household and medical use. In 2012, the FDA approved the release of chlorhexidine-impregnated catheters and implants.

Properties

International nonproprietary name: chlorhexidine.

Chemical name according to IUPAC nomenclature: N,N"-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-3,12-diimino-2,4,11,13-tetraazatetradecanediimidamide

Molecular weight: 505.5

Chlorhexidine is a white crystalline powder, highly soluble in water. Aqueous solutions have an alkaline reaction. Melting point -ºС. According to the chemical structure, the compound belongs to biguanide derivatives.

Clinical data

The therapeutic activity and safety of chlorhexidine have been studied in dozens of international clinical studies. The drug has confirmed its high effectiveness against a wide range of bacteria, fungi and protozoan microorganisms.

A large trial in 1988 (Garibaldi, R. A) compared the antibacterial properties of chlorhexidine and povidone iodine. 700 patients who were scheduled for surgery took part in the experiment. Immediately before the operation, the volunteers took a shower with one of the antiseptics. Laboratory test data showed that chlorhexidine reduced the number of microbial colonies on the skin by 9-9.5 times, while povidone-iodine only reduced the number of microbial colonies on the skin by 1.5-2 times.

In the US, the National Institute of Children's Health assessed the effect of treating newborns with chlorhexidine a few hours after birth on infant mortality rates. The study was conducted in Nepal, where the percentage of births at home is high. Outreach was carried out among 413 local communities, whose members were advised to treat infants with a 4% chlorhexidine solution. Over 4 years of observation, the frequency of child deaths in the studied populations decreased by 30%.

In 1999, the University of Oslo studied the ability of an antiseptic to reduce the transmission of pathogenic streptococci from mother to child during childbirth. A 0.2% solution of the drug was administered intravaginally to infected women during contractions. The results showed that the incidence of illness in infants was reduced by an average of 20%. No adverse reactions associated with exposure to chlorhexidine were observed in children.

A blinded, placebo-controlled study on the effect of the drug on stomatitis was conducted at the University of Kentucky in 1988. In patients who agreed to use chlorhexidine rinses, the authors noted a decrease in ulceration of the oral mucosa, a decrease in colonies of streptococci and yeast fungi.

In all trials, doctors paid attention to the good safety profile of the drug. In rare cases, irritation to the eyes and skin was noted. It was possible to eliminate side effects after reducing the concentration of antiseptic solutions.

Toxicity Information

The toxicity of chlorhexidine was studied in laboratory experiments on white mice. A 0.5% solution was administered to animals subcutaneously, intravenously and intraperitoneally. The drug has been proven to lack mutagenic, teratogenic and embryotoxic effects. A weak inhibitory effect on the functions of the reproductive organs was noted.

Composition, release forms, packaging

The following forms of chlorhexidine are available on the Russian pharmaceutical market:

  • Aqueous solutions with a concentration of the active substance of 0.05; 0.1; 0.15; 0.2; 0.5; 1; 4, 5 and 20%. The drug is packaged in plastic vials, bottles or aerosol cans.
  • Alcohol solutions with an active substance concentration of 0.5 or 0.8%. This form is sold in ml bottles.
  • Vaginal suppositories containing 16 and 8 mg of active ingredient. They are packaged in plastic blisters and then in cardboard packs of 5 or 10 pieces.
  • 0.5% gel for external use. Produced in linear tubes.
  • 1% cream for external use. Available in 50 g tubes.
  • 1% emulsion (in glycerin) for external use. Packaged in 200 ml bottles.

Mechanism of action

In a physiological environment, chlorhexidine dissociates to form active cations that interact with negatively charged bacterial cell walls. Conditions for binding are most favorable at pH values ​​from 5 to 8.

At low concentrations, the drug blocks the transport of ions through the membranes of pathogenic cells, which leads to the development of a bacteriostatic effect. At concentrations greater than 0.01%, cell walls rupture, resulting in rapid death of microbes.

In the presence of blood and pus, the effectiveness of the drug decreases slightly.

Spectrum of antimicrobial activity

Chlorhexidine is active against:

  • gram-positive bacteria (streptococci, staphylococci, clostridia),
  • gram-negative bacteria (neisseria, chlamydia, ureaplasma, bacteroides, enterobacteria),
  • yeast and yeast-like fungi,
  • dermatophytes,
  • protozoa (Trichomonas, chlamydia, etc.),
  • some viruses (herpes virus, influenza A virus).

The drug does not affect lactobacilli, acid-fast strains of bacteria and fungal spores.

Fungicidal properties appear at a concentration of chlorhexidine of more than 0.05%, virucidal properties - at a concentration of more than 1%.

Metabolism and excretion

The drug is practically not absorbed in the digestive tract. If 300 mg of chlorhexidine is accidentally ingested, the maximum plasma concentration is reached after 30 minutes. and does not exceed 0.3 µg/l. After 12 hours the drug is not detected in the blood.

The antiseptic binds well to the skin and mucous membranes. Absorption of the drug when applied topically was studied in experiments with rhesus monkeys. With regular use of an 8% solution for 3 months. trace amounts of chlorhexidine (less than 20 µg/kg) were detected in the kidneys, liver and adipose tissue of animals. The drug was not present in blood samples.

There are no data on the metabolism of chlorhexidine. The antiseptic is excreted from the body unchanged.

Indications

Aqueous solutions of chlorhexidine with a concentration of less than 0.2% are prescribed for the purpose of:

  • prevention of sexually transmitted diseases,
  • disinfection of skin (for cracks, abrasions),
  • treatment of purulent wounds, burns,
  • treatment of bacterial and fungal infections of the skin or mucous membranes,
  • treatment of inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity (gingivitis, stomatitis, alveolitis, etc.).

Indications for the use of 0.5% aqueous and alcohol solutions are:

  • disinfection of wounds, burns, cracks in the skin,
  • disinfection of medical instruments, devices and equipment for which thermal sterilization is impossible.

A 1% solution of the drug is indicated:

  • for disinfection of thermometers, instruments and equipment,
  • for treating the surgeon's hands and the surgical field,
  • for disinfection of postoperative wounds and burns.

Solutions with higher concentrations (4, 5 and 20%) are intended for the preparation of 0.01-1% aqueous, alcoholic or glycerin solutions of chlorhexidine.

The reasons for prescribing vaginal suppositories are:

  • prevention of STDs,
  • prevention of infectious complications in obstetric or gynecological practice (before abortion, childbirth, installation of an intrauterine device, etc.),
  • therapy of vaginosis, colpitis.

Gel and cream with chlorhexidine are used:

  • in dermatology - for the treatment of wounds, diaper rash, impetigo, pyoderma,
  • in urology and gynecology - for vulvovaginitis, balanoposthitis, balanitis,
  • in dentistry - in the treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis, stomatitis, aphthae, etc.

Contraindications

The product is not recommended for the following conditions:

  • dermatitis,
  • hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine.

It is forbidden to use an antiseptic to wash eyes and cavities.

Chlorhexidine should be used with caution in childhood.

Use during pregnancy or lactation

When used cutaneously, chlorhexidine preparations are not contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women.

Intravaginal forms during pregnancy and lactation should be used at the discretion of the physician after a careful assessment of their benefits to the woman and the risks to the fetus or child.

Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and other complex mechanisms

Therapy with chlorhexidine does not affect the speed of psychomotor reactions, so the drug can be prescribed to persons engaged in potentially hazardous activities.

Methods of application

Chlorhexidine solutions are applied to the skin, mucous membranes of the genitourinary organs or mouth for 1-3 minutes. by irrigation or on cotton swabs.

To prevent STDs, the solution is injected using a nozzle on the bottle: for men - into the urethra, for women - into the vagina for 2-3 minutes. After the procedure, you should not urinate for 2 hours. At the same time, it is recommended to treat the inner thighs, pubis and genitals.

To treat urethritis and uroprostatitis, the solution is injected into the urethra up to 2 times a day for 10 days. The procedures are repeated every other day.

Treatment of medical instruments and devices is carried out by wiping the surfaces with a sponge soaked in the preparation or by soaking.

The surgical field is treated twice with an interval of 2 minutes.

The surgeon's hands should be washed with soap and dry thoroughly before applying chlorhexidine.

Suppositories are administered intravaginally in the supine position. To prevent STDs, it is recommended to use 1 suppository no later than 2 hours after sexual intercourse. In other cases, 1 suppository is administered 1-2 times a day for 1-3 weeks.

Gel and cream are applied to the affected areas up to 3 times a day. The duration of treatment is determined individually, taking into account the clinical picture of the disease.

Side effects

When using chlorhexidine, the following may occur:

  • allergic reactions,
  • dermatitis,
  • itching and dry skin,
  • feeling of stickiness on the skin (during the first 3-5 minutes after application),
  • discoloration of the skin areas treated with the drug,
  • increased skin sensitivity to UV radiation (photosensitization),
  • staining of teeth, taste disturbances (only in the treatment of gingivitis),
  • itching and burning in the vagina (in case of using suppositories).

special instructions

If you accidentally use chlorhexidine orally, you should rinse your stomach and take the adsorbent. If necessary, the patient should receive symptomatic therapy.

Solutions with a concentration of more than 0.2% should not be applied to wounds and mucous membranes.

If the product gets into your eyes, you should quickly rinse them under running water, then drip a solution of sodium sulfacyl. If inflammation persists, you should consult a doctor.

Chlorhexidine is flammable, so it is recommended to keep its preparations away from heating devices.

The use of suppositories is acceptable during menstruation.

Bleaching fabrics that have previously been exposed to chlorhexidine may result in brown stains.

Interaction with other drugs

Chlorhexidine is not compatible with soaps and detergents containing sodium lauryl sulfate, saponins or sodium carboxymethylcellulose. Before using the drug, any remaining detergent must be thoroughly rinsed off.

The activity of the antiseptic is inhibited in the presence of iodine and enhanced in the presence of ethyl alcohol.

The use of hard water reduces the bactericidal effects of chlorhexidine.

Under the influence of alkalis or when heated, the drug decomposes to form 4-chloroaniline, which has carcinogenic properties.

The antiseptic can be combined with products containing benzalkonium chloride or cetrimonium bromide.

Vacation conditions

All dosage forms are available without a prescription. 20% concentrated solutions are supplied only to medical institutions.

Storage

At a temperature not higher than 25ºС. Keep away from open flame.

Best before date

For solutions - 2-3 years (depending on the manufacturer).

For candles - 2 years.

For gel and cream - 2-3 years.

Application in different countries

Chlorhexidine is approved for medical use in more than 50 countries.

The antiseptic is available in the form of independent dosage forms, and is also included in various combination products:

  • antibacterial ointments, solutions,
  • lozenges for resorption,
  • toothpastes,
  • mouth rinses,
  • shampoos.

In European countries, the acetate salt of the drug is more common, which in its pharmacological properties is completely identical to bigluconate.

In 2013, chlorhexidine was included in the WHO List of Essential Medicines.

Review of manufacturers

In the Russian Federation, chlorhexidine preparations from several dozen manufacturers are sold. The main market share belongs to domestic enterprises. Various companies produce antiseptics under the names “Chlorhexidine”, “Chlorhexidine bigluconate” or under their own patented names. Among dosage forms, solutions with a concentration of 0.05-0.15% predominate.

Some chlorhexidine preparations and their manufacturers:

SPC "Biogen" (Russia)

CJSC Central European Pharmaceutical Company (Russia)

Analogs

The antiseptic Miramistin (lat. Myramistin) is closest in its properties to chlorhexidine. The drug was developed by Soviet scientists in the 1980s. within the framework of the “Space Biotechnologies” program. At the moment, the product is produced by the Russian company CJSC Infamed and the Ukrainian company CJSC Darnitsa. Products are sold in the countries of the former USSR.

Compared to chlorhexidine, Miramistin has a wider spectrum of antimicrobial activity.

The following are sensitive to the drug:

  • gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (including strains resistant to antibiotics),
  • protozoa (chlamydia, trichomonas, etc.),
  • ascomycetes,
  • yeast and yeast-like fungi,
  • dermatophytes,
  • influenza viruses, measles, herpes, adenoviruses, coronoviruses.

Experiments also demonstrated the ability of Miramistin to reduce the activity of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Other advantages of the analogue include:

  • lack of local irritation and allergenic effects,
  • the ability to activate local immunity of the skin and mucous membranes,
  • the presence of anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties,
  • absence of negative reactions in the treatment of dental diseases (patients do not experience staining of teeth or changes in taste sensitivity).

The use of Miramistin is considered preferable in the treatment of the oral cavity, in the treatment of urological and gynecological pathologies and for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.

At the same time, in laboratory studies it has been proven that chlorhexidine has a higher level of antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (St. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. Coli), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. Aeruginosa) and fungi of the genus Candida (Candida) . This leads to its more active use for aseptic purposes and in the treatment of wound infections.

In the Republic of Belarus, in addition to Miramistin, its generic, Septomirin, produced by RUE Belmedpreparaty, is widely used.

Thank you for the detailed description of the drug and good health to you all.

Source: http://farmamir.ru/2015/08/xlorgeksidin-instrukciya-primenenie-otzyvy/

World is Small

The cheap product replaced half a first aid kit and helped in everyday life!

An aqueous solution of chlorhexidine is a widely known and available antiseptic drug. It is simply irreplaceable in medicine, especially often used in surgery and cosmetology. It has no odor, does not dry out the skin, does not burn and does not leave greasy marks. But the best thing is that you can buy it at any pharmacy for pennies. This is simply an indispensable product for a home first aid kit, because the medicine has a very wide range of applications.

We will tell you how you can use chlorhexidine at home. After all, it is also useful in everyday life, and not just for disinfecting wounds.

Chlorhexidine bigluconate solution

Treatment of a sore throat

If you have a sore throat, chlorhexidine will help cure it. First, gargle with a glass of warm, never hot, water. Mix 1 tablespoon of 0.05% chlorhexidine solution and 2 tablespoons of water. Gargle with the resulting solution for 3–5 minutes. Important: after the procedure, do not eat or brush your teeth for 2 hours.

Prevention of oral diseases

If your gums are inflamed, prepare the same solution as for the throat. You just need to rinse your teeth directly in the morning and evening. This product also neutralizes bad breath and helps prevent caries.

But if there are no problems with your gums, then we do not advise you to rinse your mouth with chlorhexidine solution often, so as not to spoil your microflora. Doctors also recommend rinsing your mouth with this product for stomatitis.

Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases

Venereologists advise men, after unprotected sexual intercourse with a casual partner, to wipe the penis with a cotton swab dipped in a chlorhexidine solution and try to rinse the urethra with the same solution. This must be done within 2 hours after sexual intercourse. Women can use this remedy only in extreme cases, so as not to kill their microflora.

Treatment of eyes in animals

Chlorhexidine can be used to wash the inflamed eyes of your beloved pets. But keep in mind that you do not need to drop it into the eye, but rather wipe your closed eyes with a moistened disk to remove pus.

Eliminating unpleasant foot odor

To get rid of unpleasant odor from shoes, simply wipe the inside of them with a cotton pad soaked in chlorhexidine. You can treat the legs themselves in a similar way, focusing on the space between the toes. This is a kind of deodorant.

Application for face

Since chlorhexidine is a powerful antiseptic, cosmetologists advise all women to stock up on it. Wipe your face with it after cleansing or injections until the wounds heal and crust over. And also after peeling for the first 2 days and every time before you want to moisturize your face or apply panthenol. And of course, if your hands are itching to squeeze out a pimple, then first wipe it and the area around it with a chlorhexidine solution, and after removing the pus, treat the wound.

Disinfection of objects

Wipe your phone screen every evening with a cotton pad soaked in chlorhexidine. This way you will protect your cheeks from acne.

Chlorhexidine solution can also be used to effectively disinfect the evaporator in automobile and household air conditioners and split systems. To do this, the solution is sprayed near the inlet of the air conditioner in an amount of 200–300 ml using a sprayer that produces a fine suspension. It leaves absolutely no traces.

Chlorhexidine can also be used to wipe wounds in children instead of alcohol and peroxide. This is an excellent antiseptic that can even be used to rinse your hands before eating if there is no way to wash them. So, with all confidence, we advise you to take a closer look at this cheap and effective remedy.

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