Chlorhexidine Mouthwash

What is Chlorhexidine Mouthwash?

Active Ingredient and Drug Class: The active ingredient is Chlorhexidine Digluconate 0.2% w/v. It belongs to a class of medicines known as antiseptics and disinfectants.

Mechanism of Action

Think of Chlorhexidine as a highly effective security guard for your mouth. It binds to the surfaces of your teeth, gums, and soft tissues, creating a protective layer. This layer slowly releases over several hours, continuously attacking and killing a broad spectrum of bacteria that cause dental plaque, gingivitis, and oral infections. It disrupts the bacterial cell membrane, effectively causing it to break down and die.

Biological Pathway

Chlorhexidine is cationic (positively charged), which allows it to bind effectively to the negatively charged surfaces in the mouth (like tooth enamel and oral mucosa). This sustained release action, known as substantivity, is what allows it to work long after you have spat it out, providing prolonged protection against bacterial colonisation.

What is Chlorhexidine Mouthwash Used For?

This mouthwash is used for the treatment and prevention of the following conditions:

• Gingivitis (Gum Disease): Characterised by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
• Gum Ulceration and Mouth Ulcers: To prevent secondary infection and promote healing.
• Oral Thrush (Fungal Infection): As an adjunctive treatment.
• Denture Sores: To soothe and prevent infection under dentures.
• Maintaining Oral Hygiene: Post-dental surgery (e.g., tooth extraction) to keep the area clean.

Before Using Chlorhexidine Mouthwash

Do not use this mouthwash if you or your child are allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate or any of the other ingredients listed in Section 9.

Medical History Assessment

Inform your doctor or dentist if you have:

• A known allergy to any antiseptics or disinfectants.
• A history of severe skin or allergic reactions.
• Phenylketonuria (PKU), as this product contains aspartame.

Chlorhexidine Mouthwash Contraindications

Absolute Contraindications (Do Not Use):

• Known hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine digluconate or any listed excipient.

Relative Contraindications (Use with Caution/Medical Advice):

• Patients with phenylketonuria.
• Patients with a history of contact dermatitis or skin reactions to topical agents.

Special Population Considerations

Elderly

• No specific dosage adjustment is needed.
• Ensure they can use the measuring cup and rinse without swallowing.

Children

• Can be used by children, but supervision is essential to ensure they do not swallow the solution.

Renal/Hepatic Impairment

• No specific recommendations are available, but as the systemic absorption is negligible, it is considered safe.

Chlorhexidine Mouthwash and Other Medicines

The most significant interaction is with toothpaste. Anionic surfactants (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate) in toothpaste can inactivate chlorhexidine.

Timing Recommendation

• Use toothpaste first, rinse thoroughly with water, and then use the mouthwash.
• Alternatively, use the mouthwash at a different time of day (e.g., after lunch).
• Leave a gap of at least 30-60 minutes between using toothpaste and chlorhexidine mouthwash.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, might be pregnant, or are breastfeeding, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine. Chlorhexidine Mouthwash should not be used unless your doctor has told you to do so. While systemic absorption is minimal, a risk-benefit assessment by a healthcare professional is recommended.

Driving & Machine Operation

Chlorhexidine Mouthwash is not expected to affect your ability to drive or use machines. The alcohol content (7% v/v) is low and not considered to be impairing when used as directed (rinsed and spat out).

Chlorhexidine Mouthwash Ingredients

Active Ingredient

• Chlorhexidine Digluconate 0.2% w/v

Other Ingredients (Excipients)

How to Use Chlorhexidine Mouthwash

Preparation Steps

1. Measure 10ml of the solution using the cup provided.
2. Rinse the mouth thoroughly for about 1 minute.
3. After 1 minute, spit the solution out into the sink. Do not swallow.
4. Avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after use to allow the medicine to work.

Chlorhexidine Mouthwash Dosage Guidelines

Standard Dosage Schedule

Dosage for All Patients

• Adults, Elderly, and Children: Use 10ml twice a day.

Administration Instructions

Follow the step-by-step instructions in Section 10. For denture sores, ensure dentures are clean before soaking.

Missed Dose Management

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not use a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.

Overdose Information

Accidental Ingestion

If you or someone else swallows a significant amount of this mouthwash, seek immediate medical attention or call a Poisons Information Centre. Take the medicine pack with you. Symptoms of overdose may include stomach upset, nausea, and signs of alcohol intoxication due to the ethanol content.

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, this mouthwash can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Serious Side Effects (Stop use and get immediate medical help)

These may be signs of a severe allergic reaction:

• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• A red, itchy skin rash.
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing.
• Feeling faint, dizzy, or collapsing.

Other Possible Side Effects (Stop use and tell your doctor or pharmacist)

• Skin irritation
• Swelling of the salivary glands.
• Peeling of the skin inside the mouth.
• Transient tingling or numbness of the mouth.

Common Minor Effects (Usually no need to stop use)

• Taste changes or a burning sensation on the tongue when first used. This usually reduces with continued use.
• Reversible staining of teeth and tongue. This is not permanent and can be minimised by:
  • Brushing daily with a normal toothpaste before using the mouthwash.
  • Avoiding tannin-containing foods and drinks (e.g., red wine, tea, coffee) for at least an hour after use.
  A scale and polish by your dentist can remove any persistent staining.

Reporting Side Effects

You can report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme.

How to Store Chlorhexidine Mouthwash

• Do not store above 25°C.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed.
• Once opened, use within 28 days.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle and carton.
• Return any unused medicine to a pharmacy for disposal.

Pack Information

Pack Sizes

• 300ml plastic bottle

Components

• 300ml bottle with 10ml measuring cup
• Instructions for use

Marketing Authorisation

• Marketing Authorisation Holder: Thornton and Ross Ltd., Huddersfield, HD7 5QH, UK.
• PL Number: PL 0024/00118

Where Can I Buy Chlorhexidine Mouthwash Online in the UK