Chlorhexidine Acetate
Chlorhexidine Acetate is a broad-spectrum topical antiseptic belonging to the biguanide class, used for skin disinfection and infection prevention. It is commonly applied in healthcare settings for surgical site preparation, wound care, and hand hygiene, as well as in oral care products for managing gum inflammation.
A topical antiseptic agent for disinfection and infection prevention in healthcare and personal care applications.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 2359
- Generic
- Chlorhexidine Acetate
- Class
- pin-variant
- Brands
- Nolvadent, Nolvasan
- 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.
Preoperative skin preparation, surgical hand scrubbing, wound cleansing, general skin disinfection, catheter care, and as an oral rinse for gingivitis and dental plaque reduction.
Functions as a cationic antiseptic that binds to negatively charged bacterial cell membranes, disrupting membrane integrity and causing cellular contents to leak, resulting in bacterial cell death. Provides residual antimicrobial activity on skin surfaces.
For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes, ears, and sensitive membranes. Rare hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis have been reported. Not recommended for routine wound irrigation in deep tissues. Should not be used on open wounds or burns without medical supervision. Interactions may occur with certain soaps and anionic compounds.
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 August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy