Chlorhexidine is a very potent cationic chemoprophylactic agent that has a broad-spectrum of activity against gm+ve and gm-ve bacteria. It is both bacteriostatic and bactericidal depending on its concentration. The bactericidal effect, which is achieved at high concentrations, is due to the binding of the cationic to negatively charged bacterial cell walls and extramicrobial complexes. Bacteriostatic effect is achieved at low concentrations which causes an alteration of bacterial cell osmotic equilibrium and leakage of potassium and phosphorus.

Chlorhexidine Gluconate (4%) is indicated in-

• Surgical hand scrub: significantly reduces the number of microorganisms on the hands and forearms prior to surgery or patient care
• Healthcare personnel handwash: helps reduce bacteria that potentially can cause disease
• Patient preoperative skin preparation: for the preparation of the patient's skin prior to surgery
• Skin wound and general skin cleansing.

Hand washing: Wet hands with water. Wash hands with about 5 ml of Chlorhexidine for 1 minute; Pay special attention to the nails. Wash hands in clean water and dry. Rapid bactericidal skin cleansing solution, which disinfects hands pre-operatively and reduces the risk of cross-contamination with routine use in hospital wards.

Wash hands before surgery: Soak hands up to elbows in water. Wash hands with about 5 ml of Chlorhexidine for 1 minute; Use a brush or nail clipper to clean the nails. Wash hands in clean water. Repeat Hexiscrub in the same manner for 2 minutes.

Do not use

• if you are allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate or any other ingredients
• in contact with meninges
• in the genital area
• as a preoperative skin preparation of the head or face.

Keep out of reach of children. Keep away from eyes, brain, meninges and middle ear. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water. Store at room temperature, away from light. Chlorhexidine is incompatible with soaps and other anionics. For external use only.