Brand Names: Betasept, Biopatch, Calgon Vesta, Chlorostat, Chlorostat 4, Dyna-Hex, Hibiclens, Periochip, Spectrum-4

Generic Name: chlorhexidine topical (Pronunciation: klor HEX i deen TOP i kal)

• What is chlorhexidine topical (Periochip)?
• What are the possible side effects of chlorhexidine topical?
• What is the most important information I should know about chlorhexidine topical?
• What should I discuss with my health are provider before using chlorhexidine topical?
• How should I use chlorhexidine topical?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while using chlorhexidine topical?
• What other drugs will affect chlorhexidine topical?
• Where can I get more information?

What is chlorhexidine topical (Periochip)?

Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic that fights bacteria.

Chlorhexidine topical (for the skin) is used to clean the skin to prevent infection that may be caused by surgery, injection, or skin injury.

Chlorhexidine topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of chlorhexidine topical?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using chlorhexidine topical and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• severe burning, itching, or redness;
• blistering or peeling;
• swelling or severe skin rash; or
• any other severe irritation of treated skin.

Less serious side effects may occur, and you may have none at all.

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

Read the Periochip (chlorhexidine) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about chlorhexidine topical?

You should not use chlorhexidine topical if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use chlorhexidine topical if you have any allergies to food, dyes, animals, or medicines.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, ears, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina. Chlorhexidine topical is for use only on the skin.

Stop using the medication and call your doctor if you have a skin reaction such as severe burning, itching, redness, blistering, peeling, swelling, rash, or any other severe irritation.