Last reviewed · How we verify

Chlorhexidine Digluconate Mouthwash without Alcohol

GlaxoSmithKline · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Chlorhexidine digluconate is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that disrupts bacterial cell membranes and denatures proteins, killing or inhibiting growth of oral microorganisms.

Chlorhexidine digluconate is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that disrupts bacterial cell membranes and denatures proteins, killing or inhibiting growth of oral microorganisms. Used for Prevention and treatment of gingivitis, Reduction of plaque formation, Oral antisepsis and antimicrobial rinse.

At a glance

Generic nameChlorhexidine Digluconate Mouthwash without Alcohol
SponsorGlaxoSmithKline
Drug classAntimicrobial oral rinse
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOral Health / Dentistry
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Chlorhexidine is a cationic biguanide that binds to negatively charged bacterial cell surfaces, causing leakage of cellular contents and cell death. It is bactericidal at higher concentrations and bacteriostatic at lower concentrations, with activity against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as some fungi and viruses. The alcohol-free formulation maintains antimicrobial efficacy while improving tolerability for patients who cannot use alcohol-containing rinses.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial 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: