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This medication is used along with regular tooth brushing/flossing to treat gingivitis, a gum disease with red, swollen, and easily bleeding gums. Chlorhexidine belongs to a class of drugs known as antimicrobials. It works by decreasing the number of bacteria in the mouth, helping to decrease the swelling and redness of the gums.This drug may also be used to help prevent tooth decay in those who are not able to brush their teeth (e.g., broken jaw, periodontal surgery). Chlorhexidine has also been used in those with suppressed immune systems to decrease the formation of mouth sores (mucositis), used with other medicines in severe types of gum disease (e.g., necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis/periodontitis), and used to help prevent pneumonia in intensive care patients on a ventilator.
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Chlorhexidine Gluconate MM images:
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Chlorhexidine Gluconate MM
Uses
This medication is used along with regular tooth brushing/flossing to treat gingivitis, a gum disease with red, swollen, and easily bleeding gums. Chlorhexidine belongs to a class of drugs known as antimicrobials. It works by decreasing the number of bacteria in the mouth, helping to decrease the swelling and redness of the gums.This drug may also be used to help prevent tooth decay in those who are not able to brush their teeth (e.g., broken jaw, periodontal surgery). Chlorhexidine has also been used in those with suppressed immune systems to decrease the formation of mouth sores (mucositis), used with other medicines in severe types of gum disease (e.g., necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis/periodontitis), and used to help prevent pneumonia in intensive care patients on a ventilator.
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Keep all medical/dental appointments so that your progress can be followed.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Store at a temperature above 32 degrees F (0 degrees C) away from light.
- Store the solution only in the original brown bottle provided by your pharmacist.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
How To Use
- Rinse your mouth with the solution after brushing your teeth, usually twice daily (after breakfast and at bedtime) or as directed by your doctor.Measure 15 milliliters of the solution using the supplied measuring cup.
- Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds, and then spit it out.Do not swallow the solution or mix it with any other substance.
- After using chlorhexidine, wait 2 hours before rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash, brushing your teeth, eating, or drinking.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.
- To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after 2 weeks.
Side Effects
- Tooth/tongue staining, increased tartar, bitter taste, mouth/throat irritation, mouth sores (ulcers), coated tongue, and change in taste of food/drinks may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.To decrease staining of teeth and mouth surfaces, brush with toothpaste 3 times daily, brushing more on the stained areas.
- Use of a "tartar control" toothpaste and electric toothbrush may be more effective.
- See your dentist at least every 6 months for tooth cleaning/tartar removal.
- To decrease the effect on how food tastes, eat first, followed by tooth brushing and then chlorhexidine rinse.Remember that your doctor/dentist has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: permanent change in the ability to taste, peeling of the inside of the mouth, deep grooves in the tongue, swelling of the glands located below and in front of the ears (parotid glands), swollen lumps in the cheeks or under the tongue (salivary glands).A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: mouth or skin rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before using chlorhexidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: periodontitis, certain major face surgery (anterior facial restoration).Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is close to a mealtime or near the time for the next dose.
- In those cases, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
- Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Chlorhexidine rinse is not likely to cause drug interactions, even if accidentally swallowed.
- However, be careful not to swallow this medication because doing so may increase side effects.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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