Biomaterial Database

Chlorhexidine: uses and adverse reactions. 2013

Dianne L Silvestri, and Melissa McEnery-Stonelake

Division of Dermatology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA. dianne.silvestri@umassmemorial.org

Chlorhexidine is increasingly being used not only as an antiseptic to prevent hospital infections and an adjuvant in oral hygiene but also as a preservative in personal care products. As exposure to the agent becomes more widespread, reports of adverse reactions to it are increasing. Complications range from mild irritant contact dermatitis to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Allergic contact dermatitis in some cases precedes anaphylaxis. It is imperative that physicians be aware of the many possible sources of contact with this antiseptic and be alert to recognize the potentially debilitating and catastrophic reactions that may occur because of chlorhexidine sensitization.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D002710	Chlorhexidine	A disinfectant and topical anti-infective agent used also as mouthwash to prevent oral plaque.	Chlorhexidine Acetate,Chlorhexidine Hydrochloride,MK-412A,Novalsan,Sebidin A,Tubulicid,Acetate, Chlorhexidine,Hydrochloride, Chlorhexidine,MK 412A,MK412A
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000707	Anaphylaxis	An acute hypersensitivity reaction due to exposure to a previously encountered ANTIGEN. The reaction may include rapidly progressing URTICARIA, respiratory distress, vascular collapse, systemic SHOCK, and death.	Anaphylactic Reaction,Anaphylactoid Reaction,Anaphylactoid Shock,Shock, Anaphylactic,Anaphylactic Reactions,Anaphylactic Shock,Anaphylactoid Reactions,Reaction, Anaphylactic,Reaction, Anaphylactoid,Shock, Anaphylactoid
D000891	Anti-Infective Agents, Local	Substances used on humans and other animals that destroy harmful microorganisms or inhibit their activity. They are distinguished from DISINFECTANTS, which are used on inanimate objects.	Anti-Infective Agents, Topical,Antiseptic,Antiseptics,Microbicides, Local,Microbicides, Topical,Antiinfective Agents, Local,Antiinfective Agents, Topical,Local Anti-Infective Agents,Local Antiinfective Agents,Topical Anti-Infective Agents,Topical Antiinfective Agents,Agents, Local Anti-Infective,Agents, Local Antiinfective,Agents, Topical Anti-Infective,Agents, Topical Antiinfective,Anti Infective Agents, Local,Anti Infective Agents, Topical,Local Anti Infective Agents,Local Microbicides,Topical Anti Infective Agents,Topical Microbicides
D017449	Dermatitis, Allergic Contact	A contact dermatitis due to allergic sensitization to various substances. These substances subsequently produce inflammatory reactions in the skin of those who have acquired hypersensitivity to them as a result of prior exposure.	Allergic Contact Dermatitis,Dermatitis, Allergic Eczematous,Dermatitis, Contact, Allergic,Allergic Contact Dermatitides,Allergic Eczematous Dermatitides,Allergic Eczematous Dermatitis,Contact Dermatitides, Allergic,Contact Dermatitis, Allergic,Dermatitides, Allergic Contact,Dermatitides, Allergic Eczematous,Eczematous Dermatitides, Allergic,Eczematous Dermatitis, Allergic