Chlorhexidine gluconate (oral rinse)

Chlorhexidine gluconate is a mouthwash that kills germs and reduces bacteria in the mouth.

Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse is used to treat gingivitis (swelling, redness, bleeding gums). A dentist usually prescribes chlorhexidine gluconate.

Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse is not for treating all types of gingivitis. Use this medication only for the condition your dentist prescribed it for. Do not share this medication with anyone else, even if they have the same gum symptoms.

Chlorhexidine gluconate may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Chlorhexidine gluconate can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction that may be life-threatening. Get emergency medical help if you have: hives, severe skin rash; wheezing, difficult breathing; cold sweats, feeling light-headed; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Do not give this medication to a child or teenager without a doctor's advice. Chlorhexidine gluconate may cause severe irritation or chemical burns in young children.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate.

If you have periodontal disease, you may need special treatments while you are using chlorhexidine gluconate.

Do not give this medication to a child or teenager without a doctor's advice. This medicine may cause severe irritation or chemical burns in young children. Chlorhexidine gluconate is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether chlorhexidine gluconate passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Chlorhexidine gluconate can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction that may be life-threatening. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives, severe skin rash; wheezing, difficulty breathing; cold sweats, feeling light-headed; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Chlorhexidine gluconate may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
• mouth ulcers; or
• swelling of your salivary glands (underneath your jaws).

Common side effects of chlorhexidine gluconate may include:

• mouth irritation;
• tooth staining;
• dry mouth;
• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth; or
• decreased taste sensation.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use chlorhexidine gluconate in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Rinse your mouth with chlorhexidine gluconate twice daily after brushing your teeth.

Measure your dose using the cup provided with the medication. Swish the medicine in your mouth for at least 30 seconds, then spit it out. Do not swallow the mouthwash.

Do not add water to the oral rinse. Do not rinse your mouth with water or other mouthwashes right after using chlorhexidine gluconate.

Chlorhexidine gluconate may leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Do not rinse your mouth to remove this taste after using the medication. You may rinse the medicine away and reduce its effectiveness.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before your gingivitis is completely cleared. Chlorhexidine gluconate will not treat a viral or fungal infection such as cold sores, canker sores, or oral thrush (yeast infection).

Visit your dentist at least every 6 months for preventive tooth and gum care.

Store chlorhexidine gluconate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember, but brush your teeth first. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222, especially if a child has swallowed 4 or more ounces of chlorhexidine gluconate.

An overdose of chlorhexidine would happen only if the medicine was swallowed. Symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, stomach pain, or looking drunk.

Chlorhexidine gluconate can stain teeth, dentures, tooth restorations, your tongue, or the inside of your mouth. Talk with your dentist about how to remove stains from these surfaces. Stains may be more difficult to remove from false teeth that have scratches.

Avoid eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth right after using this medication.

Do not use any other mouthwash unless your doctor has instructed you to.

It is unlikely that other drugs you take by mouth or inject will affect chlorhexidine gluconate (oral rinse). However, many drugs can interact with each other. Inform all your healthcare providers about all the medicines you are using, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.