Chlorhexidine Gluconate

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jul 11, 2022

Warnings

What are the risks of taking Chlorhexidine?

Chlorhexidine can cause severe health problems, especially in certain high-risk patients. Some of the risks of chlorhexidine use include:

STAINING OF TEETH, TONGUE, AND DENTAL FILLINGS: Chlorhexidine can stain your teeth, tongue, and dental fillings, especially with long-term use and in areas with a lot of plaque buildup. The stains are harmless and may disappear on their own--a dentist can remove them during cleanings. Brush and floss regularly and keep up with your dental visits while using chlorhexidine.
CHANGES IN TASTE: Using chlorhexidine can make foods and drinks taste different. Taste changes are more likely to occur after prolonged use of chlorhexidine. Tell your dentist if the taste changes are persistent or bothersome. Some people find the medicine itself tastes bitter. This usually becomes less noticeable with the continued use of chlorhexidine.
INCREASED PLAQUE BUILDUP: After using chlorhexidine, some people experience an increase in the plaque buildup above the gumline (also called supragingival calculus formation). You should know that using a mouthwash like chlorhexidine is not a substitute for good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth and floss daily in addition to using chlorhexidine. See your dentist for regular cleanings and dental exams to remove plaque. Follow your dentist’s instructions on using other treatments for severe gum disease or infection.
ALLERGIC REACTION: Rarely, chlorhexidine (Peridex) can cause severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions. Contact your doctor or dentist right away or seek emergency medical help if you develop a severe skin rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or swelling of the face or throat while using chlorhexidine.

If you are at a high risk of complications or adverse effects from chlorhexidine use, your doctor or pharmacist can help you find other alternatives.

Precautions Before Starting Chlorhexidine

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to chlorhexidine gluconate, active or inactive ingredients in Peridex (chlorhexidine), or other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.

Give your healthcare provider a complete medical history. Chlorhexidine may not be right for people with certain medical conditions.

Give your doctor a complete list of all your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid serious interactions between chlorhexidine and other drugs.

The safety of chlorhexidine in pregnant women and nursing mothers has not been established. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Precautions During Use of Chlorhexidine

Keep all your medical and dental appointments while using chlorhexidine. Peridex (chlorhexidine) is used between dental appointments as part of a professional program for treating gingivitis.

What drugs can interact with Chlorhexidine?

Using chlorhexidine with other medicines may affect how each of the medications works. Interactions between many drugs can also increase the risk of serious side effects. Your physician may choose a different drug combination, change the dose or frequency of one or both medicines, and/or closely monitor you for side effects if there are known interactions between chlorhexidine and your other drugs.

Give your doctors and dentist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products.

Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription drugs.

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