Chlorhexidine Gluconate
Chloraprep is a topical antiseptic skin preparation used to reduce the risk of surgical site infections. It combines chlorhexidine gluconate with isopropyl alcohol to kill bacteria on the skin before medical procedures. This medication is applied by healthcare professionals to the patient's skin at the surgical site prior to incision.
Chloraprep is a preoperative skin antiseptic solution that helps prevent infections during and after surgical procedures.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 998279
- Generic
- Chloraprep
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Chloraprep is used as a preoperative skin antiseptic to reduce the risk of surgical site infections. It is commonly applied before surgeries, invasive procedures, and injections to disinfect the skin at the treatment site.
Chloraprep contains chlorhexidine gluconate (2%) and isopropyl alcohol (70%). Chlorhexidine disrupts bacterial cell membranes while isopropyl alcohol provides rapid antimicrobial activity. Together, they provide broad-spectrum killing of bacteria, fungi, and viruses on the skin surface.
Chloraprep is for external use only and should not contact eyes, ears, or mucous membranes. It should not be used on infants under 2 months of age or on patients with known chlorhexidine sensitivity. Allow the solution to fully dry before proceeding with the procedure. The product should only be applied by trained healthcare professionals.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy