Chlorhexidine Acetate Suppositories Western Medicine Pharmaceutical

What is chlorhexidine topical?

Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic that fights bacteria.

Chlorhexidine topical (for the skin) is used to clean the skin to prevent infection that may be caused by surgery, injection, or skin injury.

Chlorhexidine topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important Information

Chlorhexidine can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction that may be life-threatening. Get emergency medical help if you have: hives, severe skin rash; wheezing, difficult breathing; cold sweats, severe dizziness; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use chlorhexidine topical if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use chlorhexidine topical if you have any allergies to food, dyes, animals, or medicines.

It is not known whether chlorhexidine topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether chlorhexidine topical passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Be very careful when using chlorhexidine topical on a child younger than 2 months old. This medicine may cause severe irritation or chemical burns on a very young child.

How should I use chlorhexidine topical?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not take by mouth. Chlorhexidine topical is for use only on the skin.

Rinse the skin before applying chlorhexidine topical. Apply only enough medicine to cover the area you are treating. Do not apply this medicine to deep cuts, scrapes, or open skin wounds.

To use chlorhexidine topical soap, apply only enough to cover the area you are treating. Wash the area gently, then rinse thoroughly with plain water. Avoid using over large areas of skin.

This medicine is made under sterile conditions, but its contents are not sterilized. It is possible for bacteria to get inside the product and contaminate it, which could spread infection. To avoid contaminating your medicine with bacteria:

• Use only the swab, pad, or applicator provided with your medicine.

• If no applicator is provided, use only a clean cotton ball or cotton swab to apply this medicine.

• Do not touch the tip of the medicine bottle with your fingers or touch it to your skin.

• Do not dilute the medicine with water or other liquid.

• Use the applicator (pad, swab, or other dressing) only once. Throw away after one use.
   

  Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using chlorhexidine topical.

  Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

  If this medicine is packaged in a single-use foil wrapper or other container, use it only once. Throw away after one use, even if there is still medicine left in it. Do not save for later use.