Chlorhexidine Gluconate

(klor HEKS i deen GLOO koe nate)

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Not if your child has an allergy to chlorhexidine gluconate or any other part of this drug.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to stop and treat mouth infections.
• It is used to clean the skin.

How does this drug work?

• Chlorhexidine gluconate works to harm the bacteria and fight the infection.

How is this drug given?

• Oral rinse:
• Have your child brush and floss teeth.
• Have your child rinse with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of this drug for 30 seconds.
• Do not let your child swallow this drug.
• Have your child rinse 2 times a day, in the morning and in the evening.
• Have your child wait 30 minutes before eating, drinking, using mouthwash, or brushing teeth.
• Skin (cleanser):
• Do not give by mouth. Use on your child's skin only. Keep out of your child's mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).

How long does this drug take to work?

• Your child may start feeling better soon after starting this drug.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.
• Many times this drug is given on an as needed basis.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Oral:
• If your child has front-tooth fillings or gum problems, talk with the doctor.
• Skin:
• Protect your child's clothing from staining.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Oral:
• Mouth and lip irritation. Using a soft toothbrush or cotton swabs and rinsing the mouth may help. Do not use mouth rinses that have alcohol in them.
• Bad taste in your mouth. This most often goes back to normal.
• Skin:
• Skin irritation.
• Dryness.

What do I need to watch for when my child is using this drug?

• Change in the health problem being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• For unwanted side effects of this drug.
• Follow up with the doctor.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has very bad skin irritation.
• If your child gets a rash.
• Oral:
• If your child has bad gum irritation or swelling.
• If your child has numbness or tingling in his/her mouth.
• If your child has staining of the mouth, teeth, or fillings.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from heat.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• Your child may only get some products of this drug by drug order. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If no refills are left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.