How does it work?

Chlorhexidine gluconate is an antiseptic and disinfectant agent, which is active against various bacteria, viruses, bacterial spores and fungi. It kills the micro-organisms associated with various mouth and throat infections, and other common conditions in the mouth. These include the Candida albicans fungi that causes thrush infection in the mouth, and bacteria that may infect mouth ulcers or other sore areas in the mouth, eg after dental surgery. Infection of these areas increases discomfort and delays healing. Chlorhexidine has also been shown to prevent the formation and build up of plaque on teeth, which helps prevent inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). It can therefore be used as an aid to oral hygiene, particularly in instances where toothbrushing is a problem, eg following dental surgery or in physically or mentally handicapped people. Chlorhexidine is available as a mouthwash, a spray or a dental gel for the treatment of common dental conditions. The gel is used to brush the teeth, or for direct application to sore areas in the mouth. The action of rinsing the mouth with the mouthwash provides a mechanical cleaning action in the mouth. The spray is applied to tooth and gum surfaces, ulcers and other sore areas. All kill micro-organisms in the areas they are in contact with and help maintain oral hygiene.

What is it used for?

Aid to maintaining oral hygiene

Inflammation of the lining of the mouth due to irritation from dentures

Oral thrush

Painful white ulcers in the mouth (apthous ulcers)

Prevention and treatment of gum disease (gingivitis)

Prevention of plaque build-up on the teeth

Promoting gum healing after dental surgery

Warning!

The mouthwash should be used as directed to rinse the mouth. It should be spat out, not swallowed.

Chlorhexidine is incompatible with certain ingredients of conventional toothpastes. Toothpastes should be used first and the mouth (and if necessary toothbrush) rinsed before using chlorhexidine, or they should be used at a different time of day.

Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes and ears. If it comes into contact with the eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water.

When treating mouth ulcers or oral thrush infections, treatment should be continued for two days after the symptoms have cleared up.

When treating inflammation caused by denture rubbing, the dentures should be cleaned and soaked for 15 minutes twice a day in chlorhexidine mouthwash.

Not to be used in

Allergy to chlorhexidine

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

There are no restrictions on the use of this product during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Allergy to active ingredients (hypersensitivity)

Irritation of the skin

Staining of the tongue and teeth

Burning sensation of the tongue

Temporary taste disturbance

Shedding of the surface of the skin in the mouth

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

There are no known interactions with other medicines.

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