Chlohexidine Gluconate may cause rare but serious Allergic
Reactions including fatal Anaphylaxis.
What is Chlorhexidine Gluconate?
Chlorhexidine gluconate
is a widely used topical antiseptic.
It is mainly available as
over-the-counter (OTC) products used to clean and prepare the skin
before surgery and before injections in order to help reduce bacteria that
potentially can cause skin infections. Chlorhexidine Gluconate also available as mouth wash to treat Gingivitis, as oral gel to treat periodontal disease and as topical preparations to treat burns.
Chlorhexidine
Gluconate is available in different formulations like;
§ Topical Solutions
§ Mouth Washes
§ Mouth Gels
§ Topical Ointments / Creams
(mainly
used for burns)
§ Soaps
§ Sponges
§ Swabs
§ Dressings
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Warning:
The
U.S Food and Drug Administration is warning that rare but serious allergic
reactions, including fatal
anaphylaxis, have been reported with the widely used skin antiseptic products
containing Chlorhexidine Gluconate. Although rare, the number of reports of
serious allergic reactions to these products has increased over the last
several years.
Allergic Reactions (Symptoms):
The
rare but serious allergic reactions with Chlohexidine Gluconate which may occur
within minutes of exposure are;
v Wheezing
or difficulty in breathing
v Swelling
of the face
v Hives (urticaria)
v Severe Rash
v Shock (may be life threatening)
Advice to
Patients & Consumers:
Ø Patients and consumers should stop using the product that
contains Chlorhexidine Gluconate if they experience any symptoms of allergic
reaction.
Ø Seek medical attention immediately when suspecting any allergic reaction.
Ø Tell your healthcare professional if you have ever had an
allergic reaction to Chlorhexidine Gluconate.
Advice to Healthcare Professionals:
Ø Always ask patients if they have ever had an allergic
reaction to any antiseptic before recommending a Chlorhexidine Gluconate
product.
Ø Advice patients to seek immediate medical attention if
they experience any symptoms of allergic reaction when using the product.
Ø If you suspect a patient may have or had any allergic
reaction to Chlorhexidine Gluconate, monitor the reaction carefully, provide
immediate respiratory and/or cardiovascular support as needed and discontinue
use of that product immediately as possible.
Ø Consider using of alternative antiseptics such as povidone iodine, alcohols, benzalkonium chloride, etc when any
allergic reaction with Chlorhexidine Gluconate is suspected or reported.
