Chlorhexidine is a chemical antiseptic.[1] It is effective on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative microbes, although it is less effective with some Gram-negative microbes.[2] It has both bactericidal as well as bacteriostatic mechanisms of action, the mechanism of action being membrane disruption not ATPase inactivation as previously thought.[3] It is also useful against fungi and enveloped viruses, though this has not been extensively investigated. Products containing chlorhexidine in high concentrations must be kept away from eyes and the ears, due to the risk of damage to those organs. However, chlorhexidine is safely used in very low concentrations in some contact lens solutions.
Chlorhexidine is present in oral rinses and skin cleansers, and in small quantities it is used as a preservative.
It is sometimes marketed under the brand names Peridex, Periochip, Perichlor or Periogard Oral Rinse. In the UK it is mainly marketed under the brand name Corsodyl (or Chlorohex); in Germany as Chlorhexamed; in Australia and New Zealand as Savacol; in India as Suthol (G. D. Pharmaceuticals), Sterimax (Bioshields), Clohex or Dejavu-MW (QUADRA); in Venezuela as Perioxidina or Peridont, and in some Central American countries as Clorexil.
As a skin cleanser, it is marketed under brand names such as Hibiclens, Savinox plus (Bioshields), Surgiprep-CHX (Bioshields), Hibiscrub, or Dexidin mainly as a surgical scrub, and is also available as a wound wash. It is also used in some acne skin washes. It is also used as part of a treatment for athlete’s foot. In some countries, it is available by prescription only.
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