Experiences with
Chlorhexidine

ContraindicationsHow it's used (previously Dosage and administration)Side effectsInteractions

Chlorhexidine is not suitable for some people. For example, check with your doctor if you have a severe sore throat or problems swallowing.

Chlorhexidine comes as lozenges, throat spray, mouthwash, dental gel and skin cream or lotion. Follow the instructions that come with your medicine.

Side effects of chlorhexidine mouthwash include a dry or tingling mouth. Chlorhexidine skin cream can sometimes cause dry skin.

Using chlorhexidine with other medicines, herbal remedies, or vitamins is unlikely to cause problems. Check with a pharmacist or doctor.

Who can use chlorhexidine

Most adults and children can use chlorhexidine skin treatments.

Chlorhexidine throat spray, lozenges and dental treatments (such as mouthwash and dental gel) can be used by adults and children aged 12 years or over.

Who may not be able to use chlorhexidine

Chlorhexidine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell a pharmacist or doctor if you:

have ever had an allergic reaction to chlorhexidine or any other medicine
have difficulty swallowing
need to avoid alcohol

Some chlorhexidine sprays and mouthwashes may contain very small amounts of alcohol. Ask a pharmacist, doctor or dentist about medicines without alcohol.

If you have a sore throat, do not use chlorhexidine and speak to your doctor if:

your sore throat is severe
your sore throat has lasted for more than 2 days
you have problems swallowing
you have a high temperature
you have a headache
you're feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)

Dosage and how to use chlorhexidine

The usual dose of chlorhexidine lozenges for children aged 12 years and over is up to 5 lozenges a day. Adults can have up to 10 lozenges a day.

Put a lozenge in your mouth and let it melt slowly.

Wait at least 30 minutes before having something to eat or drink.

Dosage and how to use mouthwash

The usual dose is 10ml, twice a day.

Pour 10ml into the measuring cup. Rinse the mouthwash around your mouth for about 1 minute. Spit out the mouthwash, do not swallow it.

Wait at least 30 minutes before having something to eat or drink.

Dosage and how to use throat spray

The throat spray contains a combination of chlorhexidine and lidocaine.

Follow the instructions that come with the medicine packet.

How to use dental treatments

You'll usually use dental treatments once or twice a day.

If you're using dental gel, how you use it depends on why you need it. Follow the instructions from your doctor, dentist or pharmacist.

You may need to use the gel to brush your teeth or you may need to apply it directly to the affected area of your mouth. If you do this, put a small amount of gel onto your fingertip or a cotton bud. Gently wipe it across the surface of your mouth ulcer, your gum or the sore part of your mouth.

Wait at least 30 minutes before having something to eat or drink.

Common side effects of chlorhexidine sore throat and dental treatments

Some people get peeling skin inside their mouth when using chlorhexidine. If this happens to you, stop using the medicine and the side effect will usually clear up. Speak to your dentist or doctor, who may be able to recommend a different medicine.

These common side effects of chlorhexidine sore throat and dental treatments happen in more than 1 in 100 people. They're usually mild and do not last long. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

Have sips of water. Try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets. If this still bothers you, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or practice nurse. They may be able to recommend a spray, gel or lozenges to keep your mouth moist.

This sometimes happens when you first start treatment but improves as you keep using chlorhexidine. If it does not go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about it. It may be an allergy.

This is not permanent and will go when you stop using chlorhexidine.

This is not permanent and will go when you stop using chlorhexidine. Make sure you brush your teeth regularly.

Speak to a doctor, dentist or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.

Chlorhexidine and pregnancy

It's generally thought to be OK to use products containing chlorhexidine during pregnancy.

There's very little information on the safety of chlorhexidine products in pregnancy, but they are not thought to be harmful.

Chlorhexidine and breastfeeding

All chlorhexidine treatments are OK to use while breastfeeding.

If you're using chlorhexidine on your skin, take care that your baby does not touch any areas of your body where you've used it. Wash your hands after using it and before picking up your baby.

If you're using chlorhexidine on your breasts or nipples, wash off any cream or ointment, and then wash your hands before feeding your baby. It's usually better to use cream rather than ointment when breastfeeding, as it's easier to wash off.

Chlorhexidine treatments may also contain other ingredients such as steroids, antibacterials and antifungals. It's still OK to use them while breastfeeding.

If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor, midwife, doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.