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Generic

Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.2% Gargle

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At a glance

Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.2% Gargle is an antimicrobial mouthwash used for the treatment and prevention of gingivitis, mouth sores, and maintenance of oral hygiene.

Description

Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.2% Gargle is an antimicrobial solution which inhibits the formation of dental plaque. It is indicated as an aid in the treatment and prevention of gingivitis and in the maintenance of oral hygiene, particularly in situations where tooth brushing cannot be adequately employed (e.g. following oral surgery, in mentally or physically handicapped patients). It may also be used in a post-periodontal surgery or treatment regimen to promote gingival healing. Chlorhexidine is a very potent cationic chemoprophylactic agent that has a broad-spectrum of activity against gm+ve and gm-ve bacteria. It is both bacteriostatic and bactericidal depending on its concentration.

Indications
  • Gingivitis (Gum inflammation)
  • Mouth sores (Aphthous ulcers)
  • Maintenance of oral hygiene
  • Post-surgical gum healing
  • Oral candidiasis
  • Dental stomatitis
Therapeutic class

Other antibacterial preparation

Pharmacological class

Antimicrobial Mouthwash (Cationic Biguanide)

Pharmacology

Chlorhexidine is a very potent cationic chemoprophylactic agent that has a broad-spectrum of activity against gm+ve and gm-ve bacteria. It is both bacteriostatic and bactericidal depending on its concentration. The bactericidal effect, which is achieved at high concentrations, is due to the binding of the cationic to negatively charged bacterial cell walls and extramicrobial complexes. Bacteriostatic effect is achieved at low concentrations which causes an alteration of bacterial cell osmotic equilibrium and leakage of potassium and phosphorus.

Mechanism of action

Chlorhexidine, as a positively charged cation, binds to negatively charged bacterial cell walls. At high concentrations it destroys the bacterial cell wall, and at low concentrations it alters osmotic equilibrium and inhibits bacterial growth.

Dosage

Adult Dose: Rinse with 10 mL for about 1 minute twice daily.

Gingivitis treatment: A course of about one month is advisable.

Mouth sores & oral candidiasis: Continue treatment for 48 hours after clinical resolution.

Dental stomatitis: Dentures should be cleansed and soaked in mouthwash for fifteen minutes twice daily.

Administration

Thoroughly rinse the mouth for about one minute with 10 ml twice daily. Avoid eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth just after using this medication. For oral (external) use only. Do not swallow.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.2% Gargle, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Side effects

Common Side Effects:

  • Reversible brown staining of the teeth
  • Tongue discoloration
  • Burning sensation of the tongue
  • Transient taste disturbance
  • Parotid gland swelling
  • Skin sensitivity
  • Mucosal irritation

Serious Side Effects (Rare): Allergic reactions, anaphylaxis.

Precautions & warnings
  • For oral (external) use only. Do not swallow.
  • Avoid contact with eyes and ears.
  • If soreness, swelling or irritation of the mouth occurs, stop using and consult a healthcare professional.
  • Staining can be prevented by reducing consumption of tea, coffee and red wine and brushing with conventional toothpaste daily.
Contraindications
  • Hypersensitivity to Chlorhexidine or any of the excipients in the formulation.
Drug interactions

Chlorhexidine is incompatible with anionic agents (soaps, borates, bicarbonates, carbonates, chlorides, citrates, nitrates, phosphates & sulfates). Conventional dentifrices contain anionic agents, so they should be used before Chlorhexidine or at a different time of day.

Food interactions

No food interactions have been found or established. However, tea, coffee and red wine may cause staining of the teeth.

Use in pregnancy

There is no evidence of any adverse effects on the fetus arising from the use of Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.2% Gargle during pregnancy. Therefore no special precautions are recommended.

Use in lactation

There is no evidence of any adverse effects on infants during lactation. Therefore no special precautions are recommended.

Pediatric use

Children under 12 years of age should not use the product unless recommended by a healthcare professional. Children 12 years and over may use the adult dose.

Geriatric use

The normal adult dose is appropriate for elderly patients, unless otherwise recommended by the dentist or physician.

Renal / hepatic impairment

For oral use, no dose adjustment is required in renal or hepatic impairment.

Overdose effects

Information on overdosage is not available. Consult a physician if overdose is suspected.

Storage conditions

Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Chemical structure

Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.2%

Common questions

What is Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.2% Gargle used for?
It is used for gingivitis, mouth sores, oral hygiene maintenance, and post-surgical gum healing.
How to use Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.2% Gargle?
Rinse with 10 mL for about 1 minute twice daily. Avoid eating, drinking, or brushing after use.
What are the side effects of Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.2% Gargle?
Tooth staining, tongue discoloration, taste alteration, burning sensation, and parotid gland swelling.
Can Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.2% Gargle be used during pregnancy?
Yes, it is safe during pregnancy.
What should I do if I accidentally swallow Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.2% Gargle?
This medicine is not intended for swallowing. Consult a doctor if accidentally swallowed.
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only — not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.