Hexachlorophene
Hexachlorophene is a phenolic antiseptic medication primarily used as a surgical scrub and for preoperative skin preparation to reduce bacteria on the skin. It is also applied topically to treat certain bacterial skin infections such as impetigo. Due to potential systemic absorption and neurotoxicity concerns, its use has become restricted in many countries.
Hexachlorophene is a topical antiseptic used mainly for surgical scrubbing and skin preparation, though its use has declined due to safety concerns.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- D08AE01
- RxNorm
- 5293
- Generic
- Hexachlorophene
- Class
- atc-d08
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- topical
- Forms
- cream
- 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.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid
avoid use during pregnancy due to potential teratogenic effects and risk of neural tube defects
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid
avoid use throughout pregnancy unless benefits significantly outweigh risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid
avoid use near term due to potential neonatal toxicity
fetal monitoring and assessment of neonatal condition
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
do not use hexachlorophene while breastfeeding
monitor infant for signs of toxicity if exposure occurs
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
infantsdo not use
contraindicated in infants due to risk of neurotoxicity, CNS damage, and potentially fatal outcomes
neurological assessment if exposure occurs
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
childrenavoid
avoid use in children due to immature skin barrier and increased absorption
monitor for signs of neurotoxicity
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose and frequency
use with caution in elderly patients, start with lowest effective dose, monitor for CNS effects
regular neurological assessment and renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildno adjustment needed for mild impairment
use with caution, monitor renal function
periodic renal function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeavoid or significantly reduce dose
avoid in severe renal impairment due to accumulation risk
frequent monitoring of renal function and drug levels
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose
use with caution in hepatic impairment, monitor liver function
regular liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
chronic alcohol useavoid
avoid concurrent use with alcohol due to increased neurotoxicity risk
monitor for CNS depression and neurotoxicity
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Phenolic antiseptic agent classification
Prescription status
Regulatory status due to toxicity concerns
Historical use period
Peak usage period before restrictions
Safety concern
Primary toxicity concern leading to restrictions
Preoperative skin preparation, surgical hand scrubbing, and topical treatment of superficial bacterial skin infections (e.g., impetigo, folliculitis). Historically used in healthcare settings before widespread adoption of alternative antiseptics.
Acts as a phenolic antiseptic that disrupts bacterial cell membranes and inhibits enzyme systems in microorganisms. It is effective primarily against gram-positive bacteria and some gram-negative organisms, providing residual antibacterial activity on the skin.
Systemic absorption can occur through damaged skin or with excessive use, potentially causing neurotoxicity (spongiform encephalopathy). Contraindicated in infants, on large areas of broken skin, and for prolonged use. Should not be used for routine hygiene. Restricted availability in many countries due to safety concerns.
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
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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 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy