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Chlorhexidine Gluconate (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