Chlorhexidine Topical

Chlorhexidine comes as a solution to apply to the skin. It is also available as chlorhexidine-containing wipes and sponges to use on the skin. Use chlorhexidine as directed. Follow the directions the product label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than recommended.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before using chlorhexidine topical,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to chlorhexidine, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in chlorhexidine solution. Ask your pharmacist or check the package information for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
• you should know that chlorhexidine products should be used with care in premature infants and infants less than 2 years of age. Use of the product may cause irritation or burns.
• you should know to keep the solution out of ears, eyes, and mouth when you use the product. If it contacts those areas, rinse with cold water right away.
• you should know not to use in the genital area or on the meninges (membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord). Also, do not use on wounds that are deep. Do not repeatedly clean large body areas, unless directed to do so by your doctor.
• you should know that chlorhexidine solution will cause stains on fabric when used with chlorine releasing laundry products. Rinse the fabric completely and use only non-chlorine detergents.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Chlorhexidine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• irritation or redness

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using chlorhexidine and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• hives, rash, wheezing, difficulty breathing, dizziness, facial swelling of the face

Chlorhexidine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

If someone swallows chlorhexidine solution, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.