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<p><strong>Chlorhexidine</strong> is a chemical <a title="Antiseptic" href="/wiki/Antiseptic">antiseptic</a>. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-0"><a title="" href="#cite_note-0">[1]</a></sup> It kills (is bactericidal to) both <a class="mw-redirect" title="Gram-positive" href="/wiki/Gram-positive">gram-positive</a> and <a class="mw-redirect" title="Gram-negative" href="/wiki/Gram-negative">gram-negative</a> <a class="mw-redirect" title="Microbe" href="/wiki/Microbe">microbes</a>, although it is less effective with some gram-negative microbes. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1"><a title="" href="#cite_note-1">[2]</a></sup> It is also <a class="mw-redirect" title="Bacteriostatic" href="/wiki/Bacteriostatic">bacteriostatic</a>.</p><p>The mechanism of action is believed to be membrane disruption, and not <a title="ATPase" href="/wiki/ATPase">ATPase</a> inactivation as previously thought.</p><p>Products containing chlorhexidine in high concentrations must be kept away from eyes (corneal ulcers) and the inner ear (deafness), although it is used in minute concentrations in some contact lens solutions.</p> 

<p>It is sometimes marketed under the brand names <strong>Peridex</strong>, <strong>Periochip</strong>, <strong>Periogard Oral Rinse</strong>. In the <a title="United Kingdom" href="/wiki/United_Kingdom">UK</a> it is sometimes marketed under the brand names <strong>Corsodyl</strong> or <strong>Chlorohex</strong>, in <a title="Germany" href="/wiki/Germany">Germany</a> as <strong>Chlorhexamed</strong>, in <a title="Australia" href="/wiki/Australia">Australia</a> as <strong>Savacol</strong>, in <a title="India" href="/wiki/India">India</a> as <strong>Clohex</strong>, in <a title="Venezuela" href="/wiki/Venezuela">Venezuela</a> as '<em><strong>Perioxidina'</strong></em>&copy; is produced and distributed by <strong>LG Technology C.A</strong>., and in some Central American countries as Clorexil and Dejavu-MW (QUADRA) in INDIA.</p><p>In some countries it is available by <a title="Medical prescription" href="/wiki/Medical_prescription">prescription</a> only.</p>

<p>It is often used as an active ingredient in <a title="Mouthwash" href="/wiki/Mouthwash">mouthwash</a> designed to kill <a title="Dental plaque" href="/wiki/Dental_plaque">dental plaque</a> and other oral <a class="mw-redirect" title="Bacterium" href="/wiki/Bacterium">bacteria</a> Chlorhexidine can thus be used to improve bad breath.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-2"><a title="" href="#cite_note-2">[3]</a></sup>. It has been shown to have an immediate bactericidal action and a prolonged bacteriostatic action due to adsorption onto the pellicle coated enamel surface. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-3"><a title="" href="#cite_note-3">[4]</a></sup></p><p>Chlorhexidine based products are usually utilized to combat or prevent <a title="Gum disease" href="/wiki/Gum_disease">gum diseases</a> such as <a title="Gingivitis" href="/wiki/Gingivitis">gingivitis</a>. According to Colgate <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-4"><a title="" href="#cite_note-4">[5]</a></sup>, chlorhexidine gluconate has not been proven to reduce subgingivial calculus and in some studies actually increased deposits. Continued use of products containing chlorhexidine for long periods can cause stains on teeth.</p>

<p>Chlorhexidine is deactivated by <a class="mw-redirect" title="Anionic" href="/wiki/Anionic">anionic</a> compounds, including the anionic <a class="mw-redirect" title="Surfactants" href="/wiki/Surfactants">surfactants</a> commonly used as detergents in toothpastes and mouthwashes. For this reason, chlorhexidine mouth rinses should be used at least 30 minutes after other dental products.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Denton_5-0"><a title="" href="#cite_note-Denton-5">[6]</a></sup> For best effectiveness, food, drink, smoking, and mouth rinses should be avoided for at least one hour after use. It is also deactivated in the presence of blood and crevicular fluid.</p>

<p>Chlorhexidine is also used in non-dental applications, most notably under the <a class="mw-redirect" title="Brand name" href="/wiki/Brand_name">brand names</a> <strong>Oronine</strong>, <strong>Avagard</strong>, <strong>Hibiclens</strong>, <strong>Hibiscrub</strong>, <strong>ChloraPrep</strong>, <strong>BIOPATCH</strong>, and <strong>Exidine</strong>. It is also a component of the household antiseptic <strong>Savlon</strong>. It is used for general <a title="Skin" href="/wiki/Skin">skin</a> cleansing, a surgical scrub and a pre-operative skin preparation. Due to other chemicals listed as inactive ingredients, the cleanser solution is not suitable for use as mouthwash. It is often used as a rubbing agent prior to the use of hypodermic or intravenous needles in place of <a title="Iodine" href="/wiki/Iodine">iodine</a>. Chlorhexidine is <a class="mw-redirect" title="Contraindicated" href="/wiki/Contraindicated">contraindicated</a> for use near the <a title="Meninges" href="/wiki/Meninges">meninges</a>, in the genital area, and near the eyes and ears. At the 2% concentration, it can cause serious and permanent injury on contact with the eye or if instilled through a perforated eardrum. As a scrub it is not recommended on persons under two months of age.</p>

<li id="cite_note-0"><strong><a title="" href="#cite_ref-0">^</a></strong> <a class="external text" title="http://www.drugs.com/pro/chlorhexidine.html" href="http://www.drugs.com/pro/chlorhexidine.html" rel="nofollow">Chlorhexidine Official FDA information, side effects and uses</a>. <em>Drug information Online</em>. Drugs.com (Revised 11/2006). Retrieved on <a title="2007" href="/wiki/2007">2007</a>-<a title="October 8" href="/wiki/October_8">10-08</a>. Drugs.com state that this information comes directly from the FDA </li> <li id="cite_note-1"><strong><a title="" href="#cite_ref-1">^</a></strong> <a class="external text" title="http://www.who.int/reproductive-health/publications/MSM_98_4/MSM_98_4_annex.en.html" href="http://www.who.int/reproductive-health/publications/MSM_98_4/MSM_98_4_annex.en.html" rel="nofollow">THE MOST COMMON TOPICAL ANTIMICROBIALS</a>. <em>Care of the umbilical cord</em>. <a title="World Health Organization" href="/wiki/World_Health_Organization">World Health Organization</a> (1998). Retrieved on <a title="2007" href="/wiki/2007">2007</a>-<a title="October 8" href="/wiki/October_8">10-08</a>. </li> <li id="cite_note-2"><strong><a title="" href="#cite_ref-2">^</a></strong> <a class="external free" title="http://www.freshbreath.ca/fbcpubs.html" href="http://www.freshbreath.ca/fbcpubs.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.freshbreath.ca/fbcpubs.html</a> </li> <li id="cite_note-3"><strong><a title="" href="#cite_ref-3">^</a></strong> <a class="external free" title="http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1600-051X.1988.tb01595.x?cookieSet=1&amp;journalCode=cpe" href="http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1600-051X.1988.tb01595.x?cookieSet=1&amp;journalCode=cpe" rel="nofollow">http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1600-051X.1988.tb01595.x?cookieSet=1&amp;journalCode=cpe</a> </li> <li id="cite_note-4"><strong><a title="" href="#cite_ref-4">^</a></strong> <a class="external text" title="https://secure.colgateprofessional.com/app/ColgateProfessional/US/EN/Products/ProductItems/ColgatePerioGard/ProductSpecifics.cvsp" href="https://secure.colgateprofessional.com/app/ColgateProfessional/US/EN/Products/ProductItems/ColgatePerioGard/ProductSpecifics.cvsp" rel="nofollow">Colgate PerioGard chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse 0.12% (Rx)</a>. </li> <li id="cite_note-Denton-5"><strong><a title="" href="#cite_ref-Denton_5-0">^</a></strong> Denton W , Chlorhexidine In: Sterilisation and Preservation 5th Edition, Block SS, eds. Lippincott Williams &amp; Williams, Philadelphia, 2001; 321-36. </li>

<li><a class="external text" title="http://www.drugs.com/pro/chlorhexidine.html" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.drugs.com/pro/chlorhexidine.html" rel="nofollow">Drugs.com</a> states that this information comes directly from the <a title="Food and Drug Administration" href="/wiki/Food_and_Drug_Administration">FDA</a>. </li>