Community data Updated 23 hours ago

Chlorhexidine Gluconate [7.1%]

Bleaching and Disinfectants Prescription

Indications

Chlorhexidine Gluconate [7.1%] is used to prevent omphalitis in newborn babies. Omphalitis is an infection of the umbilical cord.

⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.

Pharmacology

Chlorhexidine is a broad-spectrum biocide. It works against Gram-positive bacteria, Gramnegative bacteria and fungi. Depending on the concentration, it can stop microbes from growing (bacteriostatic) or kill them (bactericidal). It kills by disrupting the cell membrane.

In vitro, Chlorhexidine can kill nearly 100% of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria within 30 seconds. Chlorhexidine formulations destroy the majority of categories of microbes, so the risk of opportunistic infections developing is limited.

Chlorhexidine is cationic in nature and binds strongly to skin. Data on topical use in neonates are limited, and there are no data on how Chlorhexidine is metabolised after topical application.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

This does not apply to the patient group this medicine is meant for.

⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Dosage Reference

⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.

Adults: Chlorhexidine Gluconate 7.1% topical solution should be applied straight after the cord is cut. Put it on the tip of the cord, on the stump and around the base of the stump. The topical gel is given as 3 gram applied once daily for seven days. Doctors should take local umbilical cord care guidelines into account where they speak about single dose application. The first application must be made within 24 hours of birth. For infants born at less than 32 weeks gestation (or weighing less than 1.5 kg at birth), the dose is a single 3 gram application, given once only in the first 24 hours after birth. In every case, apply the gel as soon as possible within those 24 hours. Before applying the gel, clean the cord stump and the skin around its base with a dry cloth. Then squeeze out enough from the tube to cover the whole umbilical cord, from the cut surface down to the base, and the abdominal skin right around it. Wash your hands before and after use. Don't apply Chlorhexidine Gluconate gel together with any other product. Occlusive dressings should not be put on the cord stump either, because they could increase absorption of the product through the dermis.