Periogard (oral rinse)

Periogard is a mouthwash that kills germs and reduces bacteria in your mouth.

Periogard is used to treat gingivitis, which includes symptoms like swollen, red, or bleeding gums. A dentist usually prescribes this medicine.

Periogard is not meant for all kinds of gingivitis. Only use it for the condition your dentist has prescribed it for. Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if they have similar gum problems.

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

Periogard can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction that might be life-threatening. Seek emergency medical help if you experience: hives, severe skin rash; wheezing, difficulty breathing; cold sweats, feeling light-headed; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Do not give this medication to a child or teenager unless a doctor advises it. Periogard may cause severe irritation or chemical burns in young children.

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

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

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. Periogard 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.

Periogard can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction that could be life-threatening. Get emergency medical help if you experience 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.

Periogard may cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately 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 Periogard 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. Contact 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 Periogard in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Rinse your mouth with Periogard 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 Periogard.

Periogard 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. Periogard 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 Periogard 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 attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222, especially if a child has swallowed 4 or more ounces of Periogard.

An overdose of chlorhexidine would happen only if the medicine were swallowed. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, stomach pain, or looking like you are drunk.

Periogard can stain teeth, dentures, tooth restorations, your tongue, or the inside of your mouth. Talk with your dentist about ways to remove stains from these surfaces. Stains may be harder to remove from false teeth that have scratches on them.

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

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

It is unlikely that other medicines you take by mouth or injection will affect Periogard. However, many medicines can interact with each other. Inform all your healthcare providers about all the medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.