Chlorhexidine - Pharmacology and Clinical Applications

• Published in: Anaesthesia and intensive care Vol. 36; no. 4; pp. 502 - 512
• Main Authors: Lim, K. -S., Kam, P.C.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Edgecliff Anaesthesia and Intensive Care 01.07.2008; Sage Publications Ltd. (UK); Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Anesthesia; Anesthesia. Intensive care medicine. Transfusions. Cell therapy and gene therapy; Anti-Infective Agents, Local - adverse effects; Anti-Infective Agents, Local - pharmacology; Bacteremia - microbiology; Bacteremia - prevention & control; Biological and medical sciences; Catheterization - adverse effects; Catheterization - methods; Chlorhexidine; Chlorhexidine - adverse effects; Chlorhexidine - pharmacology; Cross Infection - prevention & control; Dermatomycoses - prevention & control; Diagnosis; Dosage and administration; Drug Hypersensitivity - etiology; Drug therapy; Equipment Contamination - prevention & control; Hand Disinfection - methods; Humans; Iodine - pharmacology; Medical sciences; Oral Hygiene - methods; Pharmacokinetics; Sepsis; Treatment Outcome; United States; Immunopathology; Allergy; Biguanides; Antiseptic; pharmacology; Clinical pharmacology; adverse effects; Anesthesia; clinical uses; Guanidines; Chlorhexidine; Disinfecting agent
• ISSN: 0310-057X; 1448-0271
• DOI: 10.1177/0310057X0803600404

chlorhexidine is a widely used skin antisepsis preparation and is an ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash. It is an especially effective antiseptic when combined with alcohol. Its antimicrobial effects persist because it is binds strongly to proteins in the skin and mucosa, making it an effective antiseptic ingredient for handwashing, skin preparation for surgery and the placement of intravascular access. Catheters impregnated with chlorhexidine and antimicrobial agents can reduce the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections. Contact dermatitis related to chlorhexidine is not common in health care workers. The incidence of contact dermatitis to chlorhexidine in atopic patients is approximately 2.5 to 5.4%. Acute hypersensitivity reactions to chlorhexidine are often not recognised and therefore may be underreported. This review discusses the pharmacology, microbiology, clinical applications and adverse effects of chlorhexidine.