Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic derivative of guanidine, and the range and strength of its action depends on the concentration. Severe side effects have been rarely reported after the use of chlorhexidine. What side effects can the use of chlorhexidine cause?
Chlorhexidine - action
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic derivative of guanidine, and its range and strength depends on the concentration.
Chlorhexidine works:
- bacteriostatic, and in higher concentrations, it is bactericidal mainly against gram-positive bacteria, much less against gram-negative bacteria. The following are particularly sensitive to its effects: Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius, Escherichia coli, Selenomonas and anaerobic bacteria. Strains of Streptococcus sanguis, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella and Veillonella are less sensitive.
- fungistatic and fungicidal activity already at a concentration of 1 mg / l against Candida albicans, activity against Aspergillus ssp. And Candida tropicalis at concentrations above 8 mg / l and 75 mg / l, respectively
- sensitive to its effects, at a concentration of at least 12 mg / ml, are also viruses with a lipid envelope: influenza virus (H1N1), parainfluenza, herpes (HSV-1) and HIV-1 virus.
Its action is however limited against spores and non-enveloped viruses.
The advantage of chlorhexidine is the possibility of using it on the skin and mucous membranes, because its action is not limited in the presence of body fluids. It also has a high affinity to the skin and enamel, which extends the duration of its action.
Chlorhexidine - application
Chlorhexidine is used in:
- oral hygiene - it is used in rinses, dental gels, toothpastes, contributing to, inter alia, inhibiting the growth of plaque
- preparation of the skin for injection - its use in cleansing the skin before the injection reduces the risk of blood infections
- Coating of central venous catheters
- hand disinfection - preparations containing alcohol and chlorhexidine are used by doctors before procedures and operations, which ensures quick and prolonged antiseptic action.
Chlorhexidine - side effects
Strong side effects are rarely reported after the use of chlorhexidine. You may experience an anaphylactic reaction, changes in the shade of the color of the teeth and tongue (usually they disappear spontaneously), and there are disturbances in the perception of taste (when used in the oral cavity).
Take special care and do not allow the preparation to come into contact with the eyes or middle ear, as chlorhexidine causes damage to the cornea and is ototoxic.
There is a slight risk of systemic side effects as chlorhexidine is not absorbed from the skin and mucous membranes and is very poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.