Product Description
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Chlorhexidine Gluconate?
- If you have an allergy to chlorhexidine gluconate or any other part of chlorhexidine gluconate
- If you are allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate ; any part of chlorhexidine gluconate ; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take chlorhexidine gluconate with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Chlorhexidine Gluconate?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take chlorhexidine gluconate . This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Protect clothing and fabrics from staining.
- Some products are used to clean wounds. Some products must not be put on open skin wounds. Be sure you know how to use chlorhexidine gluconate .
- Some of these drugs may catch on fire. Do not use near an open flame or while smoking.
- This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If chlorhexidine gluconate is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
- Use with care in children younger than 2 months old. Talk with the doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
How is this medicine (Chlorhexidine Gluconate) best taken?
Use chlorhexidine gluconate as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
For all uses of chlorhexidine gluconate :
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- Do not take chlorhexidine gluconate by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, ears, and eyes (may burn).
- This medicine may cause very bad and long-lasting eye problems if put in the eye. If you have a perforated eardrum and chlorhexidine gluconate gets in the ear, it could cause hearing loss.
- If you get chlorhexidine gluconate in any of these areas, rinse well with water.
- Do not put on the genitals.
Skin (hand sanitizer):
- Work under fingertips.
- Spread over hand and to just above elbow.
- Put 1 more pumpful on both hands and spread over hands and up to the wrists.
- Rub into hands until dry.
Skin (hand washing):
- Wet hands and forearms.
- Put 1 teaspoon (5 mL) on hands and wash for 1 minute.
- Rinse affected part with water. Make sure to it dry well.
Skin (before surgery or other procedures):
- Your doctor may teach you how to use.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
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- If you use chlorhexidine gluconate on a regular basis, use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- Many times chlorhexidine gluconate is used on an as needed basis. Do not use more often than told by the doctor.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
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- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Skin irritation.
What are some other side effects of Chlorhexidine Gluconate?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Dryness.
- Itching.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
How do I store and/or throw out Chlorhexidine Gluconate?
- Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
- Protect from heat or open flame.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about chlorhexidine gluconate , please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.