Drug Safety Alerts
Chlorhexidine Gluconate - Rare But Serious Allergic Reactions
AUDIENCE: Nurses, Surgeons, Dentists, Patients
According to US-FDA Chlorhexidine gluconate is mainly available in over-the- counter (OTC) products to clean and prepare the skin before surgery and before injections in order to help reduce bacteria that potentially can cause skin infections. These products are available as solutions, sponges and as
swabs. US-FDA is advised that rare but serious allergic reactions have been reported with the widely used skin antiseptic products containing chlorhexidine gluconate. Symptoms include wheezing; swelling of the face; hives that can quickly progress to more serious symptom.
Healthcare professionals should always ask patients if they have ever had an allergic reaction to any antiseptic before recommending or prescribing a chlorhexidine gluconate product. Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction when using the products. Consider using alternative antiseptics such as povidone-iodine, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, or parachlorometaxylenol (PCMX) etc.
NOTE: Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse effects related to the use of these products to the Provincial Drug Control Unit (PDCU), Primary & Secondary Healthcare Department, Government of the Punjab.
REFERENCE: US- FDA report: https://goo.gl/q1pBGx
Primary & Secondary Healthcare Department,
Govt. of the Punjab