Chlorhexidine 2% Alcohol-Based Solution: Use and Precautions

Therapeutic action

Antiseptic.

Indications

• Antisepsis prior to injections and punctures.
• Antisepsis prior to surgery (surgical site preparation).

Forms and strengths

2% chlorhexidine (di)gluconate and 70% isopropyl alcohol impregnated wipes and coloured solution.

Use

• Apply the wipe or solution to the injection or puncture site and allow to dry before inserting the needle. The skin should be cleaned beforehand if soiled.
• Some national infection prevention and control guidelines recommend cleaning the skin beforehand with chlorhexidine soap prior to higher-risk procedures such as epidural or spinal anaesthesia.
• For surgery, the surgical site should be cleaned beforehand with chlorhexidine soap.
• Apply a sufficient amount of solution to cover the incision site and surrounding area and allow to dry before incision. If more than one application is required, allow to dry completely between applications.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• Do not use with other antiseptics. Chlorhexidine solution can only be used with other chlorhexidine-based products.
• Do not apply to mucous membranes or broken skin.
• Do not bring in contact with body cavities, brain and meninges, eyes, middle ear, or inner ear.
• Use with caution in neonates, particularly preterm or low birth weight neonates.
• May cause skin irritation and rarely hypersensitivity reactions.
• In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with water.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: no contra-indication.
• The coloured solution is intended for antisepsis prior to surgery for greater visibility of the area applied to.
• Also comes in chlorhexidine 2% aqueous solution that can be used in neonates when alcohol-based solution is contra-indicated.