Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG)

University of Pennsylvania · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) is a Antimicrobial agent / Antiseptic Small molecule drug developed by University of Pennsylvania. It is currently FDA-approved for Oral rinse for plaque and gingivitis prevention, Skin antisepsis and wound irrigation, Catheter and medical device disinfection. Also known as: Aqueous CHG, 2% chlohexidine gluconate body wash, CHG.

Chlorhexidine gluconate is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that disrupts bacterial cell membranes and denatures proteins, leading to rapid bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects.

Chlorhexidine gluconate is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that disrupts bacterial cell membranes and denatures proteins, leading to rapid bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects. Used for Oral rinse for plaque and gingivitis prevention, Skin antisepsis and wound irrigation, Catheter and medical device disinfection.

At a glance

Generic name	Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG)
Also known as	Aqueous CHG, 2% chlohexidine gluconate body wash, CHG
Sponsor	University of Pennsylvania
Drug class	Antimicrobial agent / Antiseptic
Modality	Small molecule
Therapeutic area	Infectious Disease / Antisepsis
Phase	FDA-approved

Mechanism of action

CHG is a cationic biguanide that binds to negatively charged bacterial cell membranes, causing leakage of cellular contents and protein denaturation. It is effective against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as some fungi and viruses. The drug is commonly used as a topical antiseptic and disinfectant in clinical settings.

Approved indications

• Oral rinse for plaque and gingivitis prevention
• Skin antisepsis and wound irrigation
• Catheter and medical device disinfection
• Preoperative skin preparation

Common side effects

• Tooth staining
• Taste alteration
• Oral irritation
• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Reversible parotid gland swelling

Key clinical trials

• Effect of Antiseptic Irrigations With 0.05% Chlorhexidine Gluconate (Irrisept) Versus Normal Saline on Fasciocutaneous Flap-Based Closure of Pilonidal Disease (NA)
• A Prospective, Single-arm, Trial to Determine Contamination Rates When Using an Antibacterial Incise Drape During Orthopedic Surgery (NA)
• Bacterial Decolonization Plus Intraoperative Angiography for Soft Tissue Sarcomas Receiving Preoperative Radiotherapy (CONCERTO) (PHASE2)
• Effect of Bed Bathing Methods on VRE Colonization in ICU Patients (NA)
• Comparison of Oral Care Solutions on Oral Microbial Colonization in Neurosurgical ICU Patients (NA)
• Effectiveness of Screening and Decolonization of S. Aureus to Prevent S. Aureus Surgical Site Infections in Surgery Outpatients
• Irrisept vs Traditional Antibiotic Irrigation for Virgin Penile Prosthesis Placement (PHASE3)
• Chlorhexidine Antiseptic Irrigation of the Bowel Segment During Radical Cystectomy and Urinary Diversion (NA)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Source	Used for
ClinicalTrials.gov	Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• University of Pennsylvania portfolio CI

Frequently asked questions about Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG)

What is Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG)?

Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) is a Antimicrobial agent / Antiseptic drug developed by University of Pennsylvania, indicated for Oral rinse for plaque and gingivitis prevention, Skin antisepsis and wound irrigation, Catheter and medical device disinfection.

How does Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) work?

Chlorhexidine gluconate is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that disrupts bacterial cell membranes and denatures proteins, leading to rapid bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects.

What is Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) used for?

Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) is indicated for Oral rinse for plaque and gingivitis prevention, Skin antisepsis and wound irrigation, Catheter and medical device disinfection, Preoperative skin preparation.

Who makes Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG)?

Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) is developed and marketed by University of Pennsylvania (see full University of Pennsylvania pipeline at /company/university-of-pennsylvania).

Is Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) also known as anything else?

Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) is also known as Aqueous CHG, 2% chlohexidine gluconate body wash, CHG.

What drug class is Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) in?

Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) belongs to the Antimicrobial agent / Antiseptic class. See all Antimicrobial agent / Antiseptic drugs at /class/antimicrobial-agent-antiseptic.

What development phase is Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) in?

Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG)?

Common side effects of Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) include Tooth staining, Taste alteration, Oral irritation, Allergic contact dermatitis, Reversible parotid gland swelling.

Related

• Drug class: All Antimicrobial agent / Antiseptic drugs
• Manufacturer: University of Pennsylvania — full pipeline
• Therapeutic area: All drugs in Infectious Disease / Antisepsis
• Indication: Drugs for Oral rinse for plaque and gingivitis prevention
• Indication: Drugs for Skin antisepsis and wound irrigation
• Indication: Drugs for Catheter and medical device disinfection
• Also known as: Aqueous CHG, 2% chlohexidine gluconate body wash, CHG