Periogard (Oral)

Chlorhexidine is used to treat gingivitis. It helps reduce inflammation (redness) and swelling of your gums and decreases gum bleeding.

Gingivitis is caused by bacteria that grow in the coating (plaque) that forms on your teeth between brushings. Chlorhexidine kills the bacteria, which helps prevent gingivitis. However, chlorhexidine does not stop plaque and tartar from forming; proper tooth brushing and flossing are still necessary and important.

Chlorhexidine is available only with a prescription from your dentist or medical doctor.

Chlorhexidine may leave a bitter aftertaste. Do not rinse your mouth with water right after using chlorhexidine, as this will make the bitterness worse. Rinsing may also reduce the effectiveness of the medicine.

Chlorhexidine may change how food tastes to you. This effect can last up to 4 hours after you use the oral rinse. Usually, this effect will become less noticeable the more you use the medicine. When you stop using chlorhexidine, your taste should return to normal.

Chlorhexidine may cause staining and increase tartar (calculus) on your teeth. Brushing with a tartar-control toothpaste and flossing daily may help reduce tartar build-up and staining. Additionally, you should see your dentist at least every 6 months for teeth cleaning and gum examination.

If you think a child weighing 22 pounds (10 kilograms) or less has swallowed more than 4 ounces of the dental rinse, get emergency help right away. If a child of any age drinks the dental rinse and shows symptoms of alcohol intoxication, such as slurred speech, sleepiness, or difficulty walking, get emergency help immediately.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor must balance the risks of taking it against the benefits it may provide. Consider the following for this medicine:

Allergies

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

Pediatric

Research on this medicine has only been conducted with adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing its use in children to that in other age groups.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older adults. Therefore, it may not be known if they work the same way in older people as they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or issues in older individuals. There is no specific information comparing the use of this medicine in the elderly with its use in other age groups.

Breast Feeding

Studies suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to infants when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other situations, two different medicines may be used together even if there is a possibility of interaction. In these cases, your doctor may want to adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken around the time of eating food or specific types of food due to potential interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional how to use your medicine in relation to food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may influence the use of this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical issues, especially:

• Front-tooth fillings (especially those with rough surfaces)—Chlorhexidine may cause staining that, in some cases, may be impossible to remove and may require replacing the filling.

• Gum problems (other)—Using chlorhexidine may worsen other gum issues, such as periodontitis.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they may need medical attention.

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

Rare

• Signs of allergic reaction (nasal congestion; shortness of breath or trouble breathing; skin rash, hives, or itching; or swelling of the face)

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Change in taste
• Increase in tartar (calculus) on teeth
• Staining of teeth, mouth, tooth fillings, and dentures or other mouth appliances

Less common or rare

• Mouth irritation
• Swollen glands on the side of the face or neck
• Tongue tip irritation

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.

• Paroex
• Peridex
• Periogard

Available Dosage Forms:

• Liquid
• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antibacterial

Chlorhexidine oral rinse should be used after you have brushed and flossed your teeth. Rinse the toothpaste completely from your mouth with water before using the oral rinse. Do not eat or drink for several hours after using the oral rinse.

The cap on the original container of chlorhexidine can be used to measure the 15 mL (½ fluid ounce) dose of this medicine. Fill the cap to the ``fill line.'' If you do not receive the dental rinse in its original container, make sure you have a measuring device to measure out the correct dose. Your pharmacist can help you with this.

Swish chlorhexidine around in the mouth for 30 seconds. Then spit out. Use the medicine full strength. Do not mix with water before using. Do not swallow the medicine.

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 oral rinse dosage form: For gingivitis: Adults—Use 15 milliliters (mL) as a mouth wash for 30 seconds two times a day. Children up to 18 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your dentist or medical doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

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.