How Long To Use Chlorhexidine Gluconate Oral Rinse

Adults—Use 15 milliliters (mL) as a mouth wash for 30 seconds two times a day. Children up to 18 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your dentist or medical doctor.

Chlorhexidine gluconate is an antiseptic, used in the treatment of mild gingivitis and periodontal disease. It has been shown to reduce plaque formation on tooth surfaces when applied topically and it also kills bacteria that cause dental diseases like gingivitis and periodontal disease. When taken orally, chlorhexidine gluconate can help prevent bacterial growth in the oral cavity.
Oral rinses are not recommended for use with patients who have had severe burns because they may make their skin more susceptible to infection. Also, people with allergies should avoid using this medication because it contains ingredients such as benzocaine and menthol which could trigger allergic reactions.
If you are taking any other medications, let your physician know about them before starting on a course of chlormexidium gluconate rinse therapy. If you notice any side effects, please tell your doctor immediately.
Warnings/Precautions
Pregnancy Category C – May harm fertility. Not indicated for women who plan to become pregnant or those who are nursing.
The safety of topical application during pregnancy or while breast-feeding remains unknown. Topical products containing chlorhexidine gluconate should not be used in these situations.
Nursing mothers should consult their physicians before using chlormexidum gluconate oral rinse. The drug passes into milk and may pose some risk to infant health if ingested.
Children under the age of 18 should undergo periodic blood tests prior to beginning therapy. Blood tests may be performed at least once every three months for one year after therapy begins.
Patients undergoing radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., prednisone), should seek consultation from their doctors prior to using chlorhexidine gluconate rinse.
A history of allergy to sulfa compounds or penicillin; sensitivity to tartar control agents; or hypersensitivity to latex rubber should preclude use of chlorhexidine gluconate.
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory test results including urine pH measurements. Inform your physician if you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal cramps, or flatulence while taking this medication.
Take special precautions while handling expired medicine. Expiration dates should always be checked to verify freshness. Do not throw away outdated medicines or flush them down the toilet. Instead, keep them tightly closed in a container or take them to a pharmacy for disposal.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59°F-86°F (15°C-30°C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Protect from contamination. Dispose of all unused solution according to local regulations.
Do not give this product to children younger than 12 years old without consulting your pediatrician first.
Dosage
Read the patient information leaflet provided by your pharmacist carefully. Ask questions if anything seems unclear.
Usual Adult Dose
Adult men—25 mg per 5 mL twice daily.
Adult female—12.5 mg per 5 mL twice daily.
Childhood (under 18 years of age): 1 mg per kg body weight per day divided into 2 doses.
Geriatric Patients (65+ years old): Reduce dosing frequency to 3 days per week based on clinical judgment.
Administration
Swish the oral rinse around in your mouth until foam covers approximately half of your tongue then swallow. For best results, do this no less than 20 minutes before meals. Rinsing too soon before eating will result in swallowing excess liquid and undissolved particles.
To increase effectiveness of the rinse, repeat swishing and spitting out approximately 10 minutes later. Swallowing excess rinse may produce uncomfortable sensations in the chest and throat area.
For best results, follow the directions exactly as written. If symptoms persist, see your physician promptly.
Side Effects
Most common side effect is bad breath due to halitosis. This usually disappears within 24 hours after stopping use. Other possible but rare side effects include rash, fever, stomach pain, headache, hives, flushing, increased salivation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, backache, muscle aches, fatigue, weakness, sore throat, coughing, wheezing, excessive gas, burning sensation, itching, and changes in vision.
Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effects that happen while taking this medication.

Reporting Problems
Call your doctor right away if you develop signs of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, swelling of lips, face, eyelids, or lips.

Other Important Information

* This medication does not cure gum disease, only treats its symptoms.

* You should continue brushing your teeth and flossing even though you’re using this medication.

* Avoid smoking while using this medication. Smoking increases the possibility of getting lung infections.

* Tell your doctor about any ongoing problems you’ve been having with your mouth.

* Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit. Missed doses should be taken as soon as possible. However, if you forget to take the medication at scheduled time, contact your doctor immediately.

* Keep this medication in its original packaging for safekeeping. Throw away any unused solution according to local regulations.

* Wear gloves when handing over oral rinses to others. Wash hands thoroughly afterwards.

General Tips

* Carry identification showing full name, address, phone number, date of birth, height, current medication(s), and insurance coverage where appropriate.

* Always keep your medication kit handy. Include emergency numbers for poison control centers, local hospitals, pharmacies, etc.

* Take note of any new symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, rash, redness, itchiness, hair loss, trouble sleeping, yellowing of eyes or skin, or feeling tired. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.

* Be aware that prescription medicated creams and ointments should never be shared with anyone else.

Interactions
When combined with alcohol, the systemic absorption of chlorhexidine gluconate could be greatly enhanced. As a result, the clinician should exercise caution when prescribing the combination of both products.
In addition, there is evidence that concurrent administration of tetracycline or erythromycin can decrease the systemic availability of chlorhexidine gluconate. Therefore, caution should be exercised when administering these antibiotics.
Hepatic impairment can lead to serious adverse events when given concomitantly with chlorhexidine gluconate. In these cases, dosage adjustment is necessary.
Caution should be exercised if used concurrently with warfarin. There was an 11% incidence of bleeding associated with the use of chlorhexidine gluconate.
If you are going to have surgery, inform your surgeon beforehand so he/she can consider postponing it if necessary.
Pregnancy category B. Pregnant women should be informed that animal studies have revealed fetal abnormalities resulting from exposure to chlorhexidine gluconate. Nevertheless, because of the potential benefits of the drug on maternal conditions, the agent is still considered acceptable for use throughout pregnancy.
Breast feeding women should consult their healthcare provider before using this medication because it may affect the development of the baby.
While using this medication, drink plenty of water. Drinking extra fluids minimizes the amount absorbed through the lining of the digestive tract and reduces the chance of developing unpleasant side effects.
Substance abuse can aggravate existing symptoms of dementia. Using alcohol while taking chlorhexidine gluconate can lead to potentially dangerous consequences.
Driving ability should be affected when using this medication. It takes several weeks for the effect of the drug to wear off fully. During this time, driving safety should be maintained.

Drug Resistance
As with many types of antibiotics, resistance to topical applications of chlorhexidine gluconate occurs occasionally.
Mechanism of Action
Chlorhexidine gluconate works by killing bacteria that cause plaque buildup on teeth. It also helps protect against infection by preventing bacteria from sticking to the surface of the teeth.
What Happens IF I MISS A DOSE?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. But don’t double a missed dose.
What Are The Precautions While Taking This Medication?
Special precautionary measures should be undertaken for patients receiving radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or immunosuppressive drugs. These include avoiding foods high in fat content, especially fried foods, spicy foods, or acidic food; drinking lots of liquids; and keeping track of how much fluid is being lost through urination.
Patients undergoing radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or immunosuppressive drugs (such as steroids) should seek consultation from their doctors before using this medication. These treatments often weaken the immune system making patients more vulnerable to infections.
Blood tests should be done periodically to check liver function. Liver failure may occur if the level of liver enzymes gets too low.

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