Chlorhexidine Gluconate + Cetrimide
Indications
Chlorhexidine Gluconate + Cetrimide solution is used to cleanse and irrigate the skin and dirty wounds, in cases where an added surfactant effect is needed.
⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.
Pharmacology
Chlorhexidine
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic and disinfectant. It works against many vegetative Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, and against some viruses and some fungi. It doesn't work against bacterial spores at room temperature, and acid-fast bacteria are inhibited but not killed. Chlorhexidine is more active against Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria, and some species of Pseudomonas and Proteus are less susceptible. It works best at a neutral or slightly acid pH, and blood and other organic matter may reduce its activity.
Cetrimide
Cetrimide is a quaternary ammonium disinfectant, with the properties you would expect from cationic surfactants. Solutions of these surfactants act as emulsifiers and detergents, and they kill both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, though higher concentrations are needed to kill the Gram-negative ones. Because cetrimide cleans and fights bacteria at the same time, it is useful for cleansing dirty or infected wounds. It is, however, relatively ineffective against bacterial spores, acid-fast bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Not enough data is available on the use of chlorhexidine and cetrimide in pregnant women. The risk to humans isn't known, but it is most likely very low, because both are poorly absorbed when applied to the skin.
For breastfeeding, it isn't known whether chlorhexidine and cetrimide pass into breast milk, and there is not enough data from women who were breast-feeding while using them. Still, it is unlikely that the products pass into milk, since they are poorly absorbed. As a general precaution, after using the product on the skin, rinse the nipples thoroughly with water before breastfeeding.
⚠️ 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.