Side effects of Hibiclens chlorhexidine gluconate
Hibiclens is an over-the-counter brand name for
the antiseptic and bacteriostatic chemical called chlorhexidine gluconate. It
is a skin cleanser and is bactericidal in action to both the gram positive as
well as the gram negative bacteria. This medicine can kill the bacteria by
attaching itself to the surface of the microbial cell and then destroying the
cell membrane. Generally marketed as a skin cleanser, hibiclens chlorhexidine
gluconate is mainly used both as a hand antiseptic as well as for washing of wounds.
It is also often used topically as a pre-operative skin preparation and is
available as acne skin wash. Instead of iodine, hibiclens is used as a rubbing
agent to clean the area on the skin prior to the use of hypodermic or
intravenous needles. It is also an effective disinfectant around the blood
collection and urinary catheter sites, as it can help in prevention the growth
of bacteria when applied on burns. However, like any other drug, hibiclens also
has certain side effects.
Side
effects of Hibiclens chlorhexidine gluconate
Common effects
Application of Hibiclens chlorhexidine gluconate should
be limited only to wounds involving damage of superficial layers of skin. Pregnant
women or lactating mothers should however always consult the doctor before
using this medicine. Although there are no reports to prove the presence of
chlorhexidine in lactating milk, it is still advisable to thoroughly wash the
breasts before nursing, if the drug has been used on the breasts for cleansing
the skin.
Hypersensitivity and allergic reactions
Hibiclens chlorhexidine gluconate can be quite
harmful in higher concentrations as it can pose serious allergic reactions and
skin irritation. It can be life-threatening and should be avoided or atleast
carefully administered by people who have a high sensitivity to this drug.
Allergic symptoms can occur if the drug comes in contact with the mucous
membrane of any part of the body (that is, membranes of the anus, genitals or
mouth). It can also lower the blood pressure, increase heart rate, and can
cause blistering, burning, skin rashes, itchiness, peeling and other signs of
irritation such as redness or swelling of the skin, mouth, tongue, face and
lips, hives, shortness of breath and tightness of chest.
Ocular effects
Hibiclens should always be kept away from eyes (as
it can cause corneal damage), ears and mouth and should strictly be used
externally. Accidental exposure of the chlorhexidine cleanser to eyes during
the pre-preparation of facial surgery can sometimes result in severe eye pain,
inflammation of the conjunctiva and swelling of the epithelium, keratitis,
corneal epithelial cell loss and chronic corneal ulcers.
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