Can I buy chlorhexidine over the counter?

Chlorhexidine gluconate is mainly available over the counter in products used to clean and prepare the skin before surgery and injections to reduce bacteria that can trigger skin infections. Chlorhexidine gluconate is also available as a mouthwash to treat gingivitis or periodontal disease.

Accordingly, do you need a prescription for chlorhexidine?

Chlorhexidine, marketed under brand names such as Peridex, is an oral rinse mouthwash used in the treatment of gingivitis. People in need of a chlorhexidine prescription can use Push Health to connect with a medical provider who can prescribe Peridex oral mouthwash if appropriate to do so.

Furthermore, can you buy PerioGard over the counter? Chlorhexidine is an oral rinse that reduces the amount of bacteria in your mouth. It's also known by the brand names Peridex, Periogard, and others. Chlorhexidine comes in prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) forms. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved chlorhexidine in 1986.

Thereof, what can I use instead of chlorhexidine?

Consider using alternative antiseptics such as povidone-iodine, alcohols, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, or parachlorometaxylenol (PCMX) when any previous allergy to chlorhexidine gluconate is documented or suspected.

What mouthwashes contain chlorhexidine?

Chlorhexidine gluconate is a prescription germicidal mouthwash that decreases bacteria in your mouth.

What is it?

Paroex (GUM)
Peridex (3M)
PerioGard (Colgate)

33 Related Question Answers Found

Why is chlorhexidine prescription only?

Chlorhexidine gluconate is a germicidal mouthwash that reduces bacteria in the mouth. Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse is used to treat gingivitis (swelling, redness, bleeding gums). Use the medication only to treat the condition your dentist prescribed it for.

How long should you use chlorhexidine?

Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic against a broad spectrum of bacteria. The authors found high-quality evidence that short-term (4-6 weeks) and longer-term (6 months) use of chlorhexidine mouthwash in addition to usual toothbrushing and cleaning leads to a large reduction in the build-up of plaque.

What bacteria does chlorhexidine kill?

Chlorhexidine is a broad-spectrum biocide effective against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. Chlorhexidine inactivates microorganisms with a broader spectrum than other antimicrobials (e.g. antibiotics) and has a quicker kill rate than other antimicrobials (e.g. povidone-iodine).

Does Listerine have chlorhexidine?

Two antiseptic oral rinses have been approved for personal plaque control, chlorhexidine gluconate (Peridex, Zila Pharmaceuticals, Phoenix, AZ.) and an essential oils combination product (Listerine, McNEIL-PPC, Inc., Morris Plains, NJ). Generic equivalents with supporting data are also approved.

How much does chlorhexidine cost?

Chlorhexidine, Paroex

Generic chlorhexidine is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons and cash prices may be lower. The lowest GoodRx price for the most common version of chlorhexidine is around $6.05, 57% off the average retail price of $14.35. Compare antiseptics.

Is chlorhexidine an antibiotic?

Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic agent. This differs from an antibiotic which targets only specific classes of bacteria. Chlorhexidine would fall into a similar category of antiseptic agents such as bleach. Unlike bleach, chlorhexidine is safe to use on the skin and other bodily surfaces.

Is peridex better than Listerine?

After 14 days, the average PBS for Peridex and Perimed was significantly lower than for Listerine Antiseptic and water. We concluded that both Peridex and Perimed were effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis when used as a 2 x daily mouthrinse by subjects refraining from other oral hygiene procedures.

What are the side effects of chlorhexidine?

Common side effects may include:

mouth irritation;
tooth staining;
dry mouth;
unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth; or.
decreased taste sensation.

What is another name for chlorhexidine?

Chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine, also known as chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), is a disinfectant and antiseptic that is used for skin disinfection before surgery and to sterilize surgical instruments.

Is chlorhexidine the same as iodine?

It appears from several studies, meta-analysis, and use across several different indications, that topical chlorhexidine-gluconate-70% isopropyl alcohol solution applied to the skin is more effective than povidone-iodine (Betadine) at preventing skin or wound infections when used prior to an invasive or surgical

Is chlorhexidine toxic?

Chlorhexidine is non-flammable. At high concentrations Chlorhexidine is harmful, however at the low concentrations typically used for oral rinses and skin cleaners it can be safely used. In spite of the relatively non-toxic profile of chlorhexidine, there have been incidences of anaphylactic reactions.

What contains chlorhexidine?

Ingredients: 0.12% Chlorhexidine gluconate in a base containing deionized water, propylene glycol, glycerin, polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil, mint flavor, potassium acesulfame, FD&C Red #40 and D&C Red #33.

Is Chloroxylenol the same as chlorhexidine?

If the patient is allergic to both povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine, chloroxylenol (cocamidopropyl dimoniumchloridephosphate) may be used. Like chlorhexidine, its ionic properties allow binding to cell membranes, providing bacteriostatic protection for more than 6 hours.

How do you get chlorhexidine stains off your teeth?

Brush and floss at least twice per day.

Toothpastes that contain baking soda can help whiten your teeth, and flossing after each meal helps your whole mouth stay clean and healthy. Brushing with an electric toothbrush can also be very effective for polishing the plaque away.

Why is peridex a prescription?

Your dentist has prescribed Peridex™ (Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.12%) Oral Rinse to treat your gingivitis, to help reduce the redness and swelling of your gums, and also to help you control any gum bleeding. Peridex may cause permanent discoloration of some front-tooth fillings.

How does chlorhexidine mouthwash work?

Chlorhexidine belongs to a class of drugs known as antimicrobials. It works by decreasing the amount of bacteria in the mouth, helping to reduce swelling and redness of the gums and bleeding when you brush.

What is the proper dilution of chlorhexidine solution for use in the mouth?

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.