Last reviewed · How we verify
Exidine (CHLORHEXIDINE)
Chlorhexidine (Exidine), marketed by Molnlycke Health, is a leading antiseptic solution primarily used for healthcare personnel hand hygiene. Its key strength lies in its mechanism of action, which effectively disrupts bacterial cell membranes, leading to cell death, providing robust protection against a wide range of pathogens. The primary risk is the upcoming key composition patent expiry in 2028, which could lead to increased competition from generics and other antiseptics in the same class, such as hydrogen peroxide and neomycin.
At a glance
| Generic name | CHLORHEXIDINE |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Molnlycke Hlth |
| Drug class | chlorhexidine |
| Target | Solute carrier family 22 member 1 |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 1976 |
Approved indications
- Healthcare personnel hand hygiene
Common side effects
Key clinical trials
- Immediate Restoration of a New Implant With High Primary Stability (NA)
- Effect of Antiseptic Irrigations With 0.05% Chlorhexidine Gluconate (Irrisept) Versus Normal Saline on Fasciocutaneous Flap-Based Closure of Pilonidal Disease (NA)
- Hyaluronic Gel vs Chlorhexidine in Periodontal Patients (NA)
- The Aim of This Study is to Compare the Effects of Two Different Topical Agents (KLOROBEN® and KLORHEX PLUS®) Used in the Surgical Extraction of Mandibular Bilateral Mesioangular Impacted Third Molars on Postoperative Pain, Edema, and Trismus. (NA)
- PMPR and Chlorhexidine on Periodontal Disease and Vascular Function (NA)
- Antiplaque Efficacy and Patient Reported Outcome of Chlorohexidine, Cetylpyridinium Chloride, and Essential Oil Mouthwashes in Orthodontic Patients (NA)
- Microbiological Effect of 0.12% Chlorhexidine Digluconate and 0.05% Cetylpyridinium Chloride vs Probiotics (Lactobacillus Reuteri Prodentis) on Porphyromonas Gingivalis. (PHASE4)
- To Compare Post-Extraction Use of a Novel Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA) Post-operative Mouth Rinse and Daily Use EDTA Mouth Rinse and Standard 0.12% Chlorhexidine (CHX) Post-operative Mouth Rinse and Daily Use Essential Oil (EO) Mouth Rinse. (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 |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| 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:
- Exidine CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Exidine updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Molnlycke Hlth portfolio CI