Chlorhexidine
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic medication commonly used in dentistry to treat oral infections and reduce dental plaque. It is available as mouthwashes, gels, and oral solutions for managing gum diseases.
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic mouthwash and gel used to treat gum disease and reduce dental plaque.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A01AB03
- RxNorm
- 2409
- Generic
- Chlorhexidine
- Class
- atc-a01
- Brands
- CHG Teat Dip, Avagard, Malaseb, E-Z Scrub, Supreme, Bactoshield, Tru-Blu C-Hex 110, Tru-Blu Chlor Hex-Wash, Prevantics, Paroex, Mal-A-Ket, Ketochlor, Scrub-Stat, Exidine, Keto-C
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- B
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 0
- Onset (min)
- 1
- Duration (h)
- 12
- Routes
- topical, oral, otic
- Forms
- solution, gel, mouthwash, wipe, foam, cream, ointment, spray
- Regions
- United States, Canada, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, India
- Monitoring
- allergic reactions, skin irritation, oral mucosal changes
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.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- apply 4% solution to area
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- apply 2% solution to area
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- apply 4% solution to area
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesterno adjustment needed for topical use
use only if clearly needed; topical application preferred over oral rinse
standard prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesterno adjustment needed for topical use
use only if benefits outweigh risks
standard prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesterno adjustment needed for topical use
can be used for surgical preparation and wound care
standard prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonatesuse lower concentration (0.05% for skin)
avoid near eyes and mucous membranes; not for use on open wounds in premature infants
monitor for skin irritation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants and childrenno adjustment needed
can be used for skin antisepsis and oral rinse in children over 6 months
monitor for skin or mucosal irritation
geriatric
elderlyno adjustment needed
suitable for skin antisepsis before procedures
monitor skin integrity
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed for topical use
can be used for wound care and catheter care
none required for topical use
renal_impairment
severeno adjustment needed for topical use
continue standard topical use
none required
hepatic_impairment
anyno adjustment needed for topical use
can be used for skin antisepsis
none required for topical use
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
can be used for skin antisepsis; avoid applying to breast area before breastfeeding
none
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Antiseptic agent classification
Commonly used since
Historical prescribing information
Common uses
Common therapeutic applications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological action description
Chlorhexidine is used to treat and prevent gingivitis (gum inflammation), manage mouth ulcers, reduce dental plaque buildup, and promote oral hygiene after dental surgery or procedures. It is also sometimes used for general mouth disinfection.
Chlorhexidine works by binding to bacterial cell membranes and disrupting their function, causing the bacteria to die. It has a broad-spectrum effect against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as some fungi.
Chlorhexidine is for topical/oral use only and should not be swallowed. Prolonged use may cause temporary tooth staining, altered taste, or oral irritation. It should be used as directed by a dentist or healthcare provider, typically for short-term treatment courses. Avoid contact with eyes and ears.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
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 August 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy