CHLORHEXADINE

Chlorhexadine is a cationic bisbiguanide antiseptic designed for topical use and is recognized for its sustained antimicrobial effectiveness across a broad range of clinically relevant microorganisms.
Chlorhexadine exerts its activity by binding to negatively charged microbial membranes, disrupting membrane function and inducing leakage and precipitation of intracellular constituents, with effects that persist due to strong surface binding.
This combination of rapid antimicrobial action, residual substantivity, and formulation versatility has made chlorhexadine a standard agent in medical disinfection, surgical preparation, and oral healthcare products.

CAS Number: 55-56-1
EC Number: 200-143-0
Molecular Formula: C22H30Cl2N10
Molecular Weight: 505.44 g/mol

Synonyms: Hexamethylenebis(biguanide) derivative, Chlorhexadine salt, Chlorhexadine antiseptic, Chlorhexadine disinfectant, Chlorhexadine dihydrochloride, Chlorhexadine cationic antiseptic, Chlorhexadine antimicrobial agent, Chlorhexadine oral antiseptic, Chlorhexadine topical antiseptic, Chlorhexadine antibacterial agent, Chlorhexadine, 55-56-1, Hexadol, Soretol, Fimeil, Sterilon, Tubulicid, Chlorhexidinum, Chlorhexidin, Clorhexidina, Cloresidina, Nolvasan, Merfen-incolore, Chlorhexadine, Dentisept, 1,6-Bis(p-chlorophenyldiguanido)hexane, 1,6-Di(4'-chlorophenyldiguanido)hexane, 1,6-Bis(5-(p-chlorophenyl)biguandino)hexane, 1,1'-Hexamethylene bis(5-(p-chlorophenyl)biguanide), R4KO0DY52L, 1,6-Di(N-p-chlorophenyldiguanido)hexane, 2,4,11,13-Tetraazatetradecanediimidamide, N,N''-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-3,12-diimino-, CHEBI:3614, DTXCID0013314, DTXSID2033314, N,N'-Bis(4-chlorophenyl)-3,12-diimino-2,4,11,13-tetraazatetradecanediimidamide, N-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-3-(6-{N-[3-(4-chlorophenyl)carbamimidamidomethanimidoyl]amino}hexyl)carbamimidamidomethanimidamide, clorexidina, (1E)-2-[6-[[amino-[(E)-[amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene]amino]methylidene]amino]hexyl]-1-[amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene]guanidine, N-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-3-(6-(N-(3-(4-chlorophenyl)carbamimidamidomethanimidoyl)amino)hexyl)carbamimidamidomethanimidamide, RefChem:575616, Metz Soft Kote Teat Dip, Metz Soft Kote TeatSpray, chlorhexidini dihydrochloridum, MK412A, A01AB03, B05CA02, D08AC02, D09AA12, MK 412A, R02AA05, S01AX09, S02AA09, S03AA04, (1E)-2-(6-((amino-((E)-(amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene)amino)methylidene)amino)hexyl)-1-(amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene)guanidine, 2-(6-((amino-((amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene)amino)methylidene)amino)hexyl)-1-(amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene)guanidine, (1E)-2-(6-((amino-((Z)-(amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene)amino)methylidene)amino)hexyl)-1-(amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene)guanidine, 2-(6-((amino-((E)-(amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene)amino)methylidene)amino)hexyl)-1-(amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene)guanidine, 200-238-7, (1Z)-2-(6-((amino-((Z)-(amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene)amino)methylidene)amino)hexyl)-1-(amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene)guanidine, Rotersept, Cloresidina [DCIT], Chlorhexidin [Czech], Chlorhexidinum [INN-Latin], Clorhexidina [INN-Spanish], Chlorohexidine, Chlorhexadine (INN), CHEMBL790, 1,1'-Hexamethylenebis(5-(p-chlorophenyl)biguanide), MLS001332388, Biguanide, 1,1'-hexamethylenebis(5-(p-chlorophenyl)-, CAS-55-56-1, NCGC00016246-03, SMR000857146, Sterido, Savlon babycare, Chlorhexadine [INN], N',N'''''-hexane-1,6-diylbis[N-(4-chlorophenyl)(imidodicarbonimidic diamide)], Chlorhexadine [INN:BAN], Chlorhexadine-d8 Dihydrochloride, MLS001304094, 1,1'-hexamethylenebis[5-(p-chlorophenyl)biguanide], CCRIS 9230, HSDB 7196, Merfen-incolore (TN), SR-01000799135, Nolvasan (*Diacetate*), SMR000718621, EINECS 200-238-7, UNII-R4KO0DY52L, Lisium (*Dihydrochloride*), BRN 2826432, Dentisept [veterinary] (TN), Prestwick_53, Chlorhexadine (1), Hibidil (Salt/Mix), Hibisol (Salt/Mix), 1246816-96-5, Hibitane (Salt/Mix), Hibiscrub (Salt/Mix), Hibispray (Salt/Mix), NSC526936, Spectrum_000237, Savloclens (Salt/Mix), Chlorhexadine (Standard), Prestwick0_000143, Prestwick1_000143, Prestwick2_000143, Prestwick3_000143, Spectrum2_000135, Spectrum3_000339, Spectrum4_000277, Spectrum5_001322, Chlorhexadine [MI], EC 200-238-7, Chlorhexadine [HSDB], Chlorhexadine, >=99.5%, BSPBio_000246, BSPBio_001977, Chlorhexadine [VANDF], KBioGR_000774, KBioSS_000717, 4-12-00-01201 (Beilstein Handbook Reference), MLS001332387, MLS002154209, Chlorhexadine [MART.], DivK1c_000761, SPBio_000210, SPBio_002185, Chlorhexadine [USP-RS], Chlorhexadine [WHO-DD], BPBio1_000272, BDBM51937, BDBM64773, cid_9552079, HY-B1248R, KBio1_000761, KBio2_000717, KBio2_003285, KBio2_005853, KBio3_001197, cid_12303047, NINDS_000761, REGID_for_CID_9552079, BDBM152706, HMS1568M08, HMS2095M08, HMS2233B16, HMS3712M08, HY-B1248, MSK10460, Tox21_110325, Tox21_201404, Tox21_303445, BDBM50170723, EBC-27248, s5397, SBB057564, STK089248, AKOS005394319, Tox21_110325_1, CCG-220143, CS-4958, DB00878, 2,4,11,13-Tetraazatetradecanediimidamide, N,N'-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-3,12-diimino-, IDI1_000761, N,N''''-hexane-1,6-diylbis[N'-(4-chlorophenyl)(imidodicarbonimidic diamide)], N,N''-Bis(4-chlorophenyl)-3,12-diimino-2,4,11,13-tetraazatetradecanediimidamide, N,N'-Bis(4-chlorophenyl)-3,12-diimino-2,4,11,13-tetraazatetradeca- nediimidamide, QTL1_000020, NCGC00016246-01, NCGC00016246-02, NCGC00016246-04, NCGC00016246-05, NCGC00016246-06, NCGC00016246-07, NCGC00016246-09, NCGC00016246-13, NCGC00016246-21, NCGC00091025-01, NCGC00091025-02, NCGC00091025-04, NCGC00247766-01, NCGC00257242-01, NCGC00258955-01, (1E)-2-[6-[[amino-[(E)-[amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylene]amino]methylene]amino]hexyl]-1-[amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylene]guanidine, AS-12648, DA-62275, N-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-{N'-[6-(N-{[N'-(4-chlorophenyl)carbamimidamido]methanimidoyl}amino)hexyl]carbamimidamido}methanimidamide, Chlorhexadine, purum, >=99.0% (HPLC), SBI-0051301.P003, AB00053427, C06902, D07668, AB00053427-24, AB00053427-28, AB00053427_29, 009C673, EN300-19626171, SR-01000799135-5, 1,1''-Hexamethylene bis(5-(p-chlorophenyl)biguanide), BRD-K52256627-300-03-3, BRD-K52256627-300-05-8, BRD-K52256627-300-06-6, SR-01000799135-10, SR-01000799135-11, Chlorhexadine, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard, Chlorhexadine, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard, 2,4,11,13-Tetraazatetradecanediimidamide, N1,N14-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-3,12-diimino-, Chlorhexadine, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material, N'',N''''''''''-hexane-1,6-diylbis[N-(4-chlorophenyl)(imidodicarbonimidic diamide)], (1E)-2-[6-[[amino-[(E)-[amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylene]amino]methylene]amino]hexyl]-1-[amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylene]guanidine;hydrochloride, (1E)-2-[6-[[azanyl-[(E)-[azanyl-[(4-chlorophenyl)amino]methylidene]amino]methylidene]amino]hexyl]-1-[azanyl-[(4-chlorophenyl)amino]methylidene]guanidine, (1E)-2-[6-[[azanyl-[(E)-[azanyl-[(4-chlorophenyl)amino]methylidene]amino]methylidene]amino]hexyl]-1-[azanyl-[(4-chlorophenyl)amino]methylidene]guanidine;hydrochloride, {[(4-chlorophenyl)amino]iminomethyl}{[(6-{[({[(4-chlorophenyl)amino]iminomethy l}amino)iminomethyl]amino}hexyl)amino]iminomethyl}amine, 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-[N-[6-[[N-[N-(4-chlorophenyl)carbamimidoyl]carbamimidoyl]amino]hexyl]carbamimidoyl]guanidine, 2-[amino-[6-[[amino-[(E)-[amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene]amino]methylidene]amino]hexylimino]methyl]-1-(4-chlorophenyl)guanidine, 2-[amino-[6-[[amino-[(E)-[amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene]amino]methylidene]amino]hexylimino]methyl]-1-(4-chlorophenyl)guanidine;hydrochloride

Chlorhexadine is a man-made antiseptic agent classified within the bisbiguanide family and is valued for its long-lasting and wide-ranging antimicrobial performance.
Chlorhexadine shows strong activity against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, various fungi, and certain lipid-enveloped viruses.

Chlorhexadine's antimicrobial effect arises from its interaction with microbial cell walls and membranes, leading to structural damage, loss of cellular integrity, and coagulation of essential intracellular materials.
One of Chlorhexadine's most distinctive properties is its ability to adsorb onto biological surfaces such as skin, oral tissues, and mucosa, from which it is released slowly, providing sustained antimicrobial protection over time.

Chlorhexadine is most often used in the form of highly water-soluble salts, particularly Chlorhexadine digluconate, enabling its incorporation into a wide range of medical and dental formulations.
Chlorhexadine's durability, residual activity, and reliable antimicrobial action, it is widely applied in clinical practice for antisepsis, infection prevention, and oral care products.

Chlorhexadine is defined as an antimicrobial agent with broad-spectrum coverage effective against various bacteria, including S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, and is used in preoperative cleansing to reduce the incidence of infections.

Chlorhexadine is a disinfectant and antiseptic which is used for skin disinfection before surgery and to disinfect surgical instruments.
Chlorhexadine is also used for cleaning wounds, preventing dental plaque, treating yeast infections of the mouth, and to keep urinary catheters from blocking.

Chlorhexadine is used as a liquid or a powder.
Chlorhexadine is commonly used in salt form, either the gluconate or the acetate.

Chlorhexadine rinse is also known to have a bitter metallic aftertaste.
Rinsing with water is not recommended as Chlorhexadine is known to increase the bitterness.

Chlorhexadine may come mixed in alcohol water, or surfactant solution.
Chlorhexadine is effective against a range of microorganisms, but does not inactivate spores.

Chlorhexadine came into medical use in the 1950s and is available over the counter in the United States.
Chlorhexadine is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.
In 2023, Chlorhexadine was the 270th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 900,000 prescriptions.

Chlorhexadine is a cationic surfactant with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.
Chlorhexadine is used as a disinfectant in periodontal therapy and surgical scrubs.

Chlorhexadine is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial biguanide used as a topical antiseptic and in dental practice for the treatment of inflammatory dental conditions caused by microorganisms.
Chlorhexadine is one of the most common skin and mucous membrane antiseptic agents in use today.

The molecule itself is a cationic bis-guanide consisting of two 4-chlorophenyl rings and two biguanide groups joined by a central hexamethylene chain.
Topical Chlorhexadine for disinfection, as well as oral rinses for dental use, carries activity against a broad range of pathogens including bacteria, yeasts, and viruses.12,11,7

Chlorhexadine was developed in the UK by Imperial Chemical Industries in the early 1950s9 and was introduced to the US in the 1970s.
The FDA withdrew its approval for the use of Chlorhexadine gluconate topical tincture 0.5%, due to a significant number of reports concerning chemical and thermal burns associated with the use of Chlorhexadine.

Chlorhexadine is an antiseptic with bactericidal and fungicidal action that can be found in the formulation of oral hygiene products such as toothpastes, gels and mouthwashes.

The use of Chlorhexadine focuses on the prevention and intensive care of periodontal diseases and infections.
Thanks to its activity, Chlorhexadine kills pathogenic microorganisms that develop in the oral mucosa, especially in high-risk situations such as oral surgery or any other highly invasive intervention.

Chlorhexadine is used to treat gingivitis.
Chlorhexadine helps to reduce the inflammation (redness) and swelling of your gums and to reduce gum bleeding.

Gingivitis is caused by the bacteria that grow in the coating (plaque) that forms on your teeth between tooth brushings.
Chlorhexadine destroys the bacteria, thereby preventing the gingivitis from occurring.
However, Chlorhexadine does not prevent plaque and tartar from forming; proper tooth brushing and flossing are still necessary and important.

Chlorhexadine is a synthetic antimicrobial compound from the bisbiguanide group and is recognized for its durable and dependable antiseptic behavior.
In contrast to many disinfectants whose action ends once contact ceases, Chlorhexadine continues to exert antimicrobial effects because it readily associates with biological surfaces.

Chlorhexadine's cationic nature plays a central role in its mechanism of action, allowing the molecule to attach to the negatively charged components of microbial cell envelopes.
This binding disrupts membrane integrity, interferes with essential transport processes, and causes the loss of critical intracellular materials.
At lower concentrations, these effects inhibit microbial growth, whereas higher concentrations result in widespread protein coagulation and permanent cell destruction.

What sets Chlorhexadine apart from numerous other antiseptic agents is Chlorhexadine's pronounced substantivity.
Following application, Chlorhexadine becomes adsorbed onto the skin, oral tissues, and mucous membranes and is slowly released over time, maintaining antimicrobial protection even after rinsing or wiping.
For ease of use and formulation, Chlorhexadine is typically supplied as water-soluble salts, most notably Chlorhexadine digluconate, which enables its inclusion in diverse products such as aqueous solutions, topical gels, mouth rinses, and cleansing preparations.

Under standard storage conditions, Chlorhexadine remains chemically stable and retains activity over a wide pH interval, though its effectiveness can be diminished by organic debris or incompatibility with anionic surfactants.
At recommended use levels, Chlorhexadine has a long-standing record of safe application and is generally well tolerated by both skin and oral tissues.

Chlorhexadine's sustained antimicrobial action, versatility in formulation, and consistent efficacy, Chlorhexadine is widely utilized in medical, dental, pharmaceutical, and veterinary fields for effective infection control and ongoing microbial suppression.
Chlorhexadine is available only with your dentist's or medical doctor's prescription.

Chlorhexadine is available in the following dosage forms:
Liquid
Solution

Applications of Chlorhexadine:
Chlorhexadine, the "gold standard" in oral antiseptics, has been used to optimize novel slow release Chlorhexadine coatings based on fatty acids in surgical sutures.
Chlorhexadine, antibacterial agent, has been used in preparaing Chlorhexadine-functionalized calcium phosphate nanoparticles, useful for oral hygiene and dental treatment.

Uses of Chlorhexadine:
Chlorhexadine is widely used as an antiseptic and disinfectant in medical, dental, pharmaceutical, and veterinary fields due to its broad antimicrobial spectrum and long-lasting activity.
Chlorhexadine is used in disinfectants (disinfection of the skin and hands), cosmetics (additive to creams, toothpaste, deodorants, and antiperspirants), and pharmaceutical products (preservative in eye drops, active substance in wound dressings and antiseptic mouthwashes).[19]
In endodontics, Chlorhexadine has been used for root canal irrigation and as an intracanal dressing.

Medical and healthcare use:
Chlorhexadine is applied as a skin antiseptic before surgical procedures, injections, and catheter insertion to reduce the risk of infection.
Chlorhexadine is also used for wound cleansing, preoperative patient bathing, and hand disinfection in hospitals and clinical settings.

Dental and oral care:
Chlorhexadine is commonly formulated into mouthwashes, gels, and sprays for the control of dental plaque, gingivitis, and periodontitis.
Chlorhexadine is used in post-surgical oral care, after tooth extractions or periodontal treatment, and for short-term management of oral infections due to its strong substantivity on teeth and oral tissues.

Pharmaceutical and personal care:
Chlorhexadine is used as an antimicrobial preservative or active ingredient in topical creams, lotions, ointments, and antiseptic washes.
Chlorhexadine-containing formulations are used in skin cleansers and medicated products to prevent microbial growth.

Veterinary applications:
Chlorhexadine is used as an antiseptic for animals in wound care, skin disinfection, and surgical preparation, as well as in veterinary shampoos and sprays for infection control.

Industrial and laboratory use:
Chlorhexadine is used as a disinfectant for surfaces, equipment, and instruments in laboratories, clean rooms, and controlled environments where microbial contamination must be minimized.

Antiseptic:
Chlorhexadine is active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, facultative anaerobes, aerobes, and yeasts.
Chlorhexadine is particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria (in concentrations ≥ 1 μg/L).

Significantly higher concentrations (10 to more than 73 μg/mL) are required for Gram-negative bacteria and fungi.
Chlorhexadine is ineffective against polioviruses and adenoviruses.
The effectiveness against herpes viruses has not yet been established unequivocally.

There is strong evidence that Chlorhexadine is more effective than povidone-iodine for clean surgery.
Evidence shows that Chlorhexadine is an effective antiseptic for upper limb surgery.

Meta-data spanning several decades shows that the efficacy of Chlorhexadine (against organisms that cause surgical site infection) has not changed dispelling concerns over emerging resistance.

Dental use:
Use of a Chlorhexadine-based mouthwash in combination with normal tooth care can help reduce the build-up of plaque and reduce mild gingivitis.
There is not enough evidence to determine the effect in moderate to severe gingivitis.

Chlorhexadine's use as a mouthwash has a number of adverse effects including damage to the mouth lining, tooth discoloration, tartar build-up, and impaired taste.
Extrinsic tooth staining occurs when Chlorhexadine rinse has been used for four weeks or longer.

Mouthwashes containing Chlorhexadine which stain teeth less than the classic solution have been developed, many of which contain chelated zinc.
Chlorhexadine gel can be applied to a wound following a tooth extraction to decrease the incidence of dry socket (inflammation of the alveolar bone).

Chlorhexadine is a cation which interacts with anionic components of toothpaste, such as sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium monofluorophosphate, and forms salts of low solubility and reduced antibacterial activity.
Hence, to enhance the antiplaque effect of Chlorhexadine, "it seems best that the interval between toothbrushing and rinsing with Chlorhexadine be more than 30 minutes, cautiously close to two hours after brushing".

Chlorhexadine mouthwash, coupled with routine tooth brushing and flossing, is used to treat gingivitis, a gum condition that results in red, swollen, and readily bleed-able gums.
Chlorhexadine is a member of the antimicrobial drug subclass of medications.

By reducing the number of bacteria in the mouth, Chlorhexadine helps to lessen gum inflammation, bleeding when you brush, and swelling.
Chlorhexadine mouthwash guarantees the acquisition of an optimal oral health. However, prolonged or regular use of Chlorhexadine mouthwash is not recommended.

Topical:
Chlorhexadine gluconate is used as a skin cleanser for surgical scrubs, as a cleanser for skin wounds, for preoperative skin preparation, and for germicidal hand rinses.
Chlorhexadine eye drops have been used as a treatment for eyes affected by Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Chlorhexadine is a very effective antiseptic and its use is growing in the world for treating the umbilical cord.
A 2015 Cochrane review has yielded high-quality evidence that within the community setting, Chlorhexadine skin or cord care can reduce the incidence of omphalitis (inflammation of the umbilical cord) by 50% and neonatal mortality by 12%.

Features of Chlorhexadine:
Chlorhexadine is valued as an antiseptic because it combines high antimicrobial efficiency with practical and reliable performance in everyday use.
Chlorhexadine is capable of controlling a wide range of microorganisms, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and some lipid-enveloped viruses, which makes it suitable for diverse infection-control needs.

A major benefit of Chlorhexadine is its strong affinity for biological surfaces; once applied, it adheres to skin and mucosal tissues and is gradually released, ensuring sustained antimicrobial protection long after the initial application.
Chlorhexadine acts quickly, achieving a rapid reduction in microbial numbers, an advantage in surgical preparation and other time-critical procedures.

Chlorhexadine is chemically stable and remains active across a broad pH range, which facilitates its incorporation into many formulation types such as aqueous solutions, gels, topical preparations, and oral care products.
At appropriate use levels, Chlorhexadine is generally well tolerated and has a long history of safe application.
Chlorhexadine's affordability, ease of formulation, and consistent performance further contribute to its widespread use in medical, dental, veterinary, and hygiene-related applications.

Pharmacodynamics of Chlorhexadine:
Chlorhexadine is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial with demonstrated activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and viruses.
Antimicrobial activity is dose-dependent - Chlorhexadine is bacteriostatic at lower concentrations (0.02%-0.06%) and bactericidal at higher concentrations (>0.12%).

Pharmacokinetic studies of oral Chlorhexadine rinses indicate that approximately 30% of the active ingredient is retained in the mouth following rinsing, which is subsequently slowly released into oral fluids.
This ability to adsorb to dentine, shared with tetracycline antibiotics such as doxycycline, is known as "substantivity" and is the result of Chlorhexadine's positive charge - it is likely that this substantivity plays at least some role in Chlorhexadine's antimicrobial activity, as its persistence on surfaces such as dentine prevent microbial colonization.7

Dental Chlorhexadine rinses may result in staining of oral surfaces, such as teeth.
This effect is not ubiquitous and appears to be more significant with extended therapy (i.e. up to 6 months) - nevertheless, patients for whom oral staining is unacceptable should use Chlorhexadine rinse with caution and for the shortest effective interval.
Allergic reactions to Chlorhexadine have been associated with the development of anaphylaxis.

Action Mechanism of Chlorhexadine:
At physiologic pH, Chlorhexadine salts dissociate and release the positively charged Chlorhexadine cation.
The bactericidal effect is a result of the binding of this cationic molecule to negatively charged bacterial cell walls.
At low concentrations of Chlorhexadine, this results in a bacteriostatic effect; at high concentrations, membrane disruption results in cell death.

Chlorhexadine’s broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects are due to its ability to disrupt microbial cell membranes.
The positively charged Chlorhexadine molecule reacts with negatively charged phosphate groups on microbial cell surfaces - this reaction both destroys the integrity of the cell, allowing leakage of intracellular material, and allows Chlorhexadine to enter the cell, causing precipitation of cytoplasmic components and ultimately cell death.
The specific means of cell death is dependent on the concentration of Chlorhexadine - lower concentrations are bacteriostatic and result in leakage of intracellular substances such as potassium and phosphorous, whereas higher concentrations are bactericidal and cause cytoplasmic precipitation.7

Deactivation of Chlorhexadine:
Chlorhexadine is deactivated by forming insoluble salts with anionic compounds, including the anionic surfactants commonly used as detergents in toothpastes and mouthwashes, anionic thickeners such as carbomer, and anionic emulsifiers such as acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, among many others.
For this reason, Chlorhexadine mouth rinses should be used at least 30 minutes after other dental products.

Society and Culture of Chlorhexadine:

Brands:
Chlorhexadine topical is sold as Betasept, Biopatch, Calgon Vesta, ChloraPrep One-Step, Dyna-Hex, Hibiclens, Hibistat Towelette, Scrub Care Exidine, and Spectrum-4, among others.
Chlorhexadine gluconate mouthwash is sold as Dentohexin, Paroex, Peridex, PerioChip, Corsodyl, Chlorhexamed and Periogard, among others.

Veterinary medicine:
In animals, Chlorhexadine is used for topical disinfection of wounds and to manage skin infections.
Chlorhexadine-based disinfectant products are used in the dairy farming industry.

Post-surgical respiratory problems have been associated with the use of Chlorhexadine products in cats.

Stability and Reactivity of Chlorhexadine:

Chemical stability:
Chlorhexadine is chemically stable under normal ambient temperatures and pressures when stored and used as recommended.

Reactivity:
Chlorhexadine is a cationic compound and may react with anionic substances such as soaps, detergents, and surfactants, leading to reduced antimicrobial effectiveness.

Hazardous reactions:
No hazardous polymerization occurs; neutralization reactions may occur with strong acids or bases.

Conditions to avoid:
Excessive heat, prolonged exposure to strong light, and contact with incompatible materials.

Incompatible materials:
Anionic surfactants, soaps, strong oxidizing agents.

Hazardous decomposition products:
Thermal decomposition may produce nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.

Handling and Storage of Chlorhexadine:

Handling:
Avoid direct contact with eyes and prolonged or repeated skin contact, especially when handling concentrated solutions.
Use good industrial hygiene practices and avoid mixing with incompatible substances.

Storage:
Store in tightly closed, properly labeled containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and anionic materials.

First Aid Measures of Chlorhexadine:

Eye contact:
Rinse immediately with plenty of water for several minutes and seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Skin contact:
Wash thoroughly with water and mild soap; remove contaminated clothing if necessary.

Inhalation:
Move the exposed person to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory irritation occurs.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; obtain medical advice if significant amounts are swallowed.

Firefighting Measures of Chlorhexadine:

Flammability:
Chlorhexadine is not classified as flammable.

Suitable extinguishing media:
Water spray, foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide for surrounding fires.

Specific hazards:
Decomposition under fire conditions may release irritating and toxic fumes.

Protective equipment:
Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing.

Accidental Release Measures of Chlorhexadine:

Personal precautions:
Use appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves and eye protection; avoid contact with skin and eyes.

Environmental precautions:
Prevent large quantities from entering drains, surface water, or soil.

Cleanup methods:
Absorb spilled material with inert absorbent material, collect in suitable containers, and dispose of in accordance with local regulations.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment of Chlorhexadine:

Engineering controls:
Ensure adequate ventilation, especially when handling concentrated solutions.

Personal protective equipment:
Wear protective gloves, safety goggles, and laboratory or work clothing as appropriate.

Hygiene measures:
Wash hands thoroughly after handling and before eating, drinking, or smoking.

Identifiers of Chlorhexadine:
Chemical designation: Chlorhexadine
Substance category: Synthetic bisbiguanide antimicrobial agent
CAS registry number: 55-56-1
EC / EINECS reference: 200-143-0
Empirical formula: C22H30Cl2N10
Relative molecular mass: 505.44 g/mol (calculated for Chlorhexadine base)
INCI nomenclature: Chlorhexadine; Chlorhexadine Digluconate
UN transport status: Not regulated as a hazardous substance for transportation purposes

Linear Formula: [-(CH2)3NHC(=NH)NHC(=NH)NHC6H4Cl]2
CAS Number: 55-56-1
Molecular Weight: 505.45
UNSPSC Code: 12352100
NACRES: NA.22
PubChem Substance ID: 24857031
EC Number: 200-238-7
Beilstein/REAXYS Number: 2826432
MDL number: MFCD00009673

IUPAC name: N,N′′′′1,6-Hexanediylbis[N′-(4-chlorophenyl)(imidodicarbonimidic diamide)]
CAS Number: 55-56-1
PubChem CID: 9552079
DrugBank: DB00878
ChemSpider: 2612
UNII: R4KO0DY52L
KEGG: D07668
ChEBI: CHEBI:3614
ChEMBL: ChEMBL790
CompTox Dashboard (EPA): DTXSID2033314
ECHA InfoCard: 100.000.217

Formula: C22H30Cl2N10
Molar mass: 505.45 g·mol−1
Melting point: 134 to 136 °C (273 to 277 °F)
Solubility in water: 0.8
SMILES: Clc1ccc(NC(=N)NC(=N)NCCCCCCNC(=N)NC(=N)Nc2ccc(Cl)cc2)cc1
InChI: InChI=1S/C22H30Cl2N10/c23-15-5-9-17(10-6-15)31-21(27)33-19(25)29-13-3-1-2-4-14-30-20(26)34-22(28)32-18-11-7-16(24)8-12-18/h5-12H,1-4,13-14H2,(H5,25,27,29,31,33)(H5,26,28,30,32,34)
Key:GHXZTYHSJHQHIJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N

InChI key: GHXZTYHSJHQHIJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI: 1S/C22H30Cl2N10/c23-15-5-9-17(10-6-15)31-21(27)33-19(25)29-13-3-1-2-4-14-30-20(26)34-22(28)32-18-11-7-16(24)8-12-18/h5-12H,1-4,13-14H2,(H5,25,27,29,31,33)(H5,26,28,30,32,34)
SMILES string: Clc1ccc(NC(=N)NC(=N)NCCCCCCNC(=N)NC(=N)Nc2ccc(Cl)cc2)cc1
assay: ≥99.5%
form: powder
impurities: <1.0% water
mp: 134-136 °C (lit.)
solubility: water: soluble 0.08% at 20 °C
chloro
Quality Level: 100

Properties of Chlorhexadine:
Molecular Weight: 505.4 g/mol
XLogP3: 0.1
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count: 6
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count: 2
Rotatable Bond Count: 13
Exact Mass: 504.2031964 Da
Monoisotopic Mass: 504.2031964 Da
Topological Polar Surface Area: 178 Ų
Heavy Atom Count: 34
Complexity: 648
Isotope Atom Count: 0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count: 2
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count: 1
Compound Is Canonicalized: Yes

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless or very faint characteristic odor
Taste: Slightly bitter
Chemical Type: Cationic bisbiguanide compound
pKa: Approximately 10.3–10.6

Solubility:
Water: Practically insoluble (base); freely soluble as digluconate and other salt forms
Organic solvents: Slightly soluble in alcohols; insoluble in nonpolar solvents

pH: Typically mildly acidic to neutral depending on salt form and formulation
Density: Approximately 1.1–1.2 g/cm³ for aqueous solutions