Chlorhexidine

Class

Antiseptic

Presentation

Aqueous or combined with alcohol

Antiseptic

Substance applied topically to prevent growth of micro-organisms

Not for use on inaminate objects bc does not have the same killing power of chemicals used for disinfection

MoA

  • At physiological pH
  • Chlorehex salts dissociate
  • Release + charge
  • Cation binds -ve charge bac cell wall
  • Chlorhex denatures proteins & lipids of bac = lysis

Antiviral

Poor antiviral

Antibacterial

G + > – > fungi

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Disadvantages

  • Rapid onset, lasts 48hrs
  • Requires 30sec scrub
  • Neurotoxic
  • Flammable
  • Cannot be used directly on mucosa