Hexachlorophene (Topical application)

Hexachlorophene is a topical antibacterial cleanser. It is used to clean the skin before surgery to prevent the spread of infection. It works like a detergent to cleanse the skin by killing or preventing the growth of bacteria.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Check with your doctor if your skin problem gets worse. Call your doctor if you have ongoing skin irritation, such as redness, itching, or burning, in the area where you applied this medicine.

This medicine should not be used regularly on large areas of the body. Follow your doctor's instructions about how long to use this medicine.

This medicine can cause serious and permanent harm if it gets into the eyes, ears, mouth, or vagina. Follow all instructions carefully before using this medicine to avoid serious side effects.

Hexachlorophene must not be used to bathe infants regularly unless your doctor says otherwise. This may raise the risk of more serious side effects.

Do not use this medicine as an occlusive dressing, wet pack, lotion, or tampon. Additionally, using other skin products that contain alcohol may reduce the effectiveness of hexachlorophene.

In deciding to use a medicine, it's important to consider the risks and benefits. This is a choice you will make together with your doctor. For this medicine, keep the following points in mind:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know if you have any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Because of hexachlorophene's potential for the risk of increased drug absorption, it is not recommended for use in infants and premature babies.

Geriatric

Current studies have not shown any specific problems in older adults that would limit the use of hexachlorophene. However, older patients are more likely to have skin issues, circulation problems, delayed wound healing, and age-related liver, kidney, and heart issues, which may require caution when using hexachlorophene.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while others may be used together with caution. If an interaction might occur, your doctor may adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken around mealtime or with specific foods due to potential interactions. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical conditions may affect the use of this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any additional medical issues, especially:

• Broken or burned skin—Should not be used in patients with this condition.

• Ichthyosis congenita (genetic skin disorder) or
• Letterer-Siwe disease (a rare disease) or
• Other skin diseases—Use with caution. May increase the risk of serious side effects.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

• Blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
• cracked, dry, or scaly skin
• increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
• redness or other discoloration of the skin
• severe sunburn
• skin rash
• swelling

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

• Abdominal or stomach cramps
• blurred vision
• cold, clammy skin
• confusion
• convulsions
• decreased urination
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
• dry mouth
• fainting
• fast, weak pulse
• increase in heart rate
• lightheadedness
• loss of appetite
• rapid breathing
• sunken eyes
• sweating
• thirst
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• weight loss
• wheezing
• wrinkled skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Phisohex

It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

Hexachlorophene should only be used on the skin. Do not swallow it or use it in the eyes, ears, mouth, nose, genital area (sex organs), or anal area. If it does get on these areas, rinse it right away with water.

Follow your doctor's instructions about how to clean and care for your skin before and after you use this medicine. Make sure you understand all of the directions, and ask questions if you find something is not clear.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For topical dosage form (emulsion):For cleaning the skin: Adults and children—Apply 5 milliliters (mL) to the hands and make it into a lather by adding a small amount of water. Apply to the area to be cleansed, rinse thoroughly with running water, and pat dry. Infants—Use is not recommended.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.