Changes

<p>The mechanism of action is believed to be membrane disruption, and not ATPase 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>

<h2><span class="editsection"></span><span class="mw-headline">Availability</span></h2>

<p>It is sometimes marketed under the brand names <strong>Peridex</strong>, <strong>Periochip</strong>, <strong>Periogard Oral Rinse</strong>. In the UK it is sometimes marketed under the brand names <strong>Corsodyl</strong> or <strong>Chlorohex</strong>, in Germany as <strong>Chlorhexamed</strong>, in Australia as <strong>Savacol</strong>, in India as <strong>Clohex</strong>, in Venezuela 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 prescription only.</p>

<h2><span class="editsection"></span><span class="mw-headline">Dental applications</span></h2>

<p>It is often used as an active ingredient in mouthwash designed to kill dental plaque and other oral bacteria Chlorhexidine can thus be used to improve bad breath.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-2">[3]</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">[4]</sup></p>

<h2><span class="editsection"></span><span class="mw-headline">Deactivation</span></h2>

<p>Chlorhexidine is deactivated by anionic compounds, including the anionic surfactants 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">[6]</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>

<h2><span class="editsection"></span><span class="mw-headline">Non-dental applications</span></h2>

<p>Chlorhexidine is also used in non-dental applications, most notably under the brand names <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 skin 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 iodine. Chlorhexidine is contraindicated for use near the meninges, 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>

<h2><span class="editsection"></span><span class="mw-headline">References</span></h2>

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<h2><span class="editsection"></span><span class="mw-headline">External links</span></h2>

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<li><a class="external text" title="http://www.drugs.com/pro/chlorhexidine.html" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.drugs.com/pro/chlorhexidine.html">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>

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