1 May 2026Drugs for external use and antisepticsSource update: January 2026
Chlorhexidine 7.1%, dermal gel
Chlorhexidine dermal gel guidance for umbilical-cord antisepsis and adjunctive treatment of omphalitis.
This guide page is for structured reference only and does not replace a clinician, pharmacist, or emergency review. Dose choice, route choice, interactions, and safety decisions still need professional judgment.
Therapeutic action
Antiseptic.
Indications
- Antisepsis of umbilical cord in specific settings such as home birth or contexts where unhygienic substances are used on the umbilical cord.
- Adjunctive treatment of omphalitis.
Forms and strengths
7.1% chlorhexidine (di)gluconate dermal gel, in 3 g single-dose sachet and 20 g tube.
Dose and duration
The gel should be applied to the stump and base of the umbilical cord.
Antisepsis of umbilical cord
- Apply 3 g of gel once daily for 7 days, starting as soon as possible after birth.
- If the neonate was born at home, start as soon as possible within the first 7 days of life.
Adjunctive treatment of omphalitis
- Apply 3 g of gel 3 times daily, as long as required.
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
This gel is intended for use on the umbilical cord only. Do not use on other parts of the body.
- Do not use with soap, creams, lotions, or a different antiseptic.
- May cause skin irritation and rarely hypersensitivity reactions.
- In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with water.
- To prevent the risk of gel contamination, the 3 g single-dose sachets are preferred over the 20 g tube. If only 20 g tubes are available, each tube must be used for a single patient.
Source
MSF Essential drugs practical guidelines (January 2026)
This page reproduces the structured reference information for this batch while leaving out the Storage and Remarks sections.
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