As a strong antimicrobial drug, chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash decreases the number of bacteria in your mouth, thus reducing problems with gums, such as swelling, bleeding, and redness.

When it comes to the usage of chlorhexidine mouthwash, it is usually recommended to rinse your mouth with it twice a day after brushing teeth, or as directed by your healthcare provider.

Avoid mixing it with any water or other substances. Rinse for about 30 seconds, making sure not to swallow any of the mouthwash. It is also extremely important to wait for at least 30 minutes after using chlorhexidine mouthwash before eating, drinking, or rinsing your mouth with water.

Chlorhexidine has powerful antibacterial properties and can be especially helpful in maintaining a healthy mouth after a teeth deep cleaning procedure such as tooth scaling and root planing. This rinse also helps to control and kill the bacteria in your mouth that cause gum disease.

The results are visible after only several weeks of use. Chlorhexidine is also known as a medicine that helps to ease some symptoms of mouth infections - good examples are sore throat or mouth ulcers. Mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine are effective in cases of mild gum disease and moderately reduce gum bleeding.

However, it is important to only use them for the period of time that is directed by your healthcare provider, this is usually no more than just a couple weeks. A mouthwash containing chlorhexidine can cause brown stains on teeth because chlorhexidine has been shown to bind to both hard and soft tissues.

So if your dental professional prescribes a chlorhexidine mouthwash for a short time while you're recovering from gum disease treatment, try not to drink too much coffee, tea, red wine, or consume any foods that may be likely to stain your teeth.

Also, chlorhexidine mouthwashes may not be the best choice if you have tooth crowns or caps made of composite or glass ionomer, as these materials may stain.

Other possible side effects of Chlorhexidine-based mouthwashes are:. The vast majority of people using chlorhexidine-based mouthwashes do not experience any serious side effects, but to reduce the possibility of them occurring, you can take some measures.

If there are any stains on your teeth, you should brush your teeth 3 times a day with toothpaste preferably a tartar control one , focusing especially on all the stained areas. Additionally, consider visiting your dentist for tartar removal and the removal of any stains that may appear on any dental work in your mouth crowns, veneers.

Wait at least 5 minutes before using chlorhexidine. If your symptoms do not improve after one week, or if they get worse at any time, stop using chlorhexidine and contact your dentist or doctor.

Carry on using chlorhexidine until you have finished the course, even if you feel better. If you stop your treatment early, the infection could come back. Skin treatments are usually used short-term for a few weeks, but occasionally you may have to use them for longer. You can use treatments like Dermol lotion as both a body wash soap substitute and moisturising skin lotion.

Apply a thin layer of chlorhexidine cream or lotion to the affected areas of your skin. Follow the directions included in the packet. Skin cream can dry onto your clothes and bedding. This can make them more likely to catch fire. Avoid naked flames.

Use your chlorhexidine treatment instead of soap or shower gel when you wash. You use it in the same way as an ordinary soap or gel. However, it may not be as foamy. Be careful not to slip in the bath or shower, or on a tiled floor, when using the cream or lotion.

If you are going into hospital, you may be sent a chlorhexidine product to wash with before you come into hospital to reduce the chances of infection.

This should come with instructions on how to use it. If you forget your chlorhexidine dental or sore throat treatment, use it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

In this case, just skip the missed dose and have your next one as normal. Just start your routine again after the missed treatment and carry on as before. If you have been prescribed chlorhexidine and forget to take it or apply it on a regular basis, it may help to set an alarm to remind you.

You could also ask your pharmacist for other ways to remember your medicine. Chlorhexidine is usually a safe medicine if you follow the instructions that come with it. However, do not use more than the recommended dose.

Speak to your doctor or a pharmacist now if you or your child has swallowed too much. Chlorhexidine treatments are generally very safe.

Many people use them without having any side effects at all. There are no common side effects with chlorhexidine skin treatments. However, in rare cases, some people may get red, itchy or irritated skin. It may be because you are using too much lotion or cream where you have folds or creases in your skin, such as around your groin.

Some people get peeling skin inside their mouth when using chlorhexidine. If this happens to you, stop using the medicine and the side effect will usually clear up.

Speak to your dentist or doctor, who may be able to recommend a different medicine. Common side effects happen in more than 1 in people.

They're usually mild and do not last long. Talk to a doctor, dentist or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or last for more than a few days:. Stop using chlorhexidine dental treatments and speak to a dentist, doctor or pharmacist if your mouth is:.

If you have any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign of a more serious infection. Stop using chlorhexidine sore throat treatments and speak to a doctor if you:. You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.

These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital. These are not all the side effects of chlorhexidine. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicines packet. It's generally thought to be OK to use chlorhexidine lozenges or sore throat spray.

There's very little information on safety in pregnancy, however, they are not thought to be harmful. All chlorhexidine treatments are ok to use while breastfeeding. Although, if chlorhexidine is being used on the skin, make sure the treatment has been washed off from the nipple and breast before feeding.

If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor, midwife or doctor as soon as possible. Chlorhexidine dental, sore throat and skin treatments are not known to cause problems if you take them at the same time as other medicines.

They are not tested in the same way as other medicines. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements. It works against a wide range of bacteria by stopping them growing and spreading. It also works against some fungi and viruses, particularly the ones found in your mouth and on your skin.

With the dental treatments, chlorhexidine helps prevent the build-up of plaque for up to 12 hours by forming a protective coating over your gums and teeth. This helps prevent or treat mouth infections and gum disease.

It also helps ease your symptoms if you have a mouth ulcer or sore throat. Chlorhexidine will start to work as an antiseptic straight away. Ask your doctor or dentist about what to expect with your treatment. If your symptoms get worse at any time during your treatment, speak to your doctor, dentist or a pharmacist.

Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic medicine and is for short-term use only. If you use it for too long, it may not work as well. With all chlorhexidine treatments, if you're not feeling better after you finish your prescribed course, tell your doctor or healthcare professional.

For gum disease, use it for 4 weeks. For mouth ulcers and oral thrush, continue using the mouthwash for 2 days after your symptoms have gone. Follow the instructions that come with your medicine.

Treatment is short-term. You can take the lozenges or use the spray for up to 4 days only. Some chlorhexidine treatments, such as the dental spray or sore throat spray contain alcohol already. Although the amount that passes into your blood is small, the additional alcohol may make you feel sleepy, dizzy or give you a headache.

When using dental chlorhexidine treatments, the lozenges or sore throat spray, wait at least 30 to 60 minutes before eating or drinking. There is no specific food or drink to avoid when using chlorhexidine.

However, be aware that some of the dental sprays and mouth sprays contain alcohol. Chlorhexidine treatments are unlikely to affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception. There is no clear evidence that chlorhexidine treatments affect fertility in men or women.

Yes, you can drive a car, ride a bike, or use tools and machinery while using chlorhexidine. Page last reviewed: 25 June Next review due: 25 June Home Medicines A to Z Back to Medicines A to Z.

Chlorhexidine - Brand names: Corsodyl, Covonia, Dermol, Savlon, Germolene On this page About chlorhexidine Key facts Who can and cannot use chlorhexidine How and when to use chlorhexidine Side effects How to cope with the side effects of chlorhexidine Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions about chlorhexidine.

About chlorhexidine Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic and disinfectant. It can help with: mouth infections, mouth ulcers and gum disease sore throats denture care skin infections Chlorhexidine is usually combined with other ingredients.

Skin treatments come as creams, ointments and lotions. Common side effects with the throat spray, lozenges and dental treatments include a dry mouth and stained teeth.

When using the lozenges, spray, mouthwash or dental gel, wait at least 30 to 60 minutes before having something to eat or drink. This gives the medicine a chance to work properly. Do not use bleach on clothes, bedding or other fabrics that have been in contact with chlorhexidine.

It will leave yellowish-brown stains. Chlorhexidine skin treatments can be used by adults and children. To make sure chlorhexidine is safe for you, tell a pharmacist or doctor before using it if you: have ever had an allergic reaction to chlorhexidine or any of the other ingredients have ever had an allergic reaction to any other medicine cannot drink or need to avoid alcohol.