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Chlorhexidine gluconate soap
Chlorhexidine gluconate is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that disrupts bacterial cell membranes and denatures proteins, killing or inhibiting a wide range of microorganisms.
Chlorhexidine gluconate is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that disrupts bacterial cell membranes and denatures proteins, killing or inhibiting a wide range of microorganisms. Used for Skin antisepsis and preoperative skin preparation, Antimicrobial skin cleansing, Surgical site infection prevention.
At a glance
| Generic name | Chlorhexidine gluconate soap |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Hibiclens |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University |
| Drug class | Antimicrobial agent / Antiseptic |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infection Prevention / Dermatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Chlorhexidine is a cationic biguanide that binds to negatively charged bacterial cell membranes, causing leakage of cellular contents and cell death. It also precipitates bacterial proteins and nucleic acids. The gluconate salt formulation allows for use in topical soap preparations for skin antisepsis and antimicrobial cleansing.
Approved indications
- Skin antisepsis and preoperative skin preparation
- Antimicrobial skin cleansing
- Surgical site infection prevention
Common side effects
- Skin irritation or dermatitis
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Photosensitivity
Key clinical trials
- Effect of S. Aureus Skin Decolonization on Disease Severity in Atopic Dermatitis Patients (PHASE4)
- Effectiveness of Screening and Decolonization of S. Aureus to Prevent S. Aureus Surgical Site Infections in Surgery Outpatients
- Skin Decolonization of Children Hospitalized in Intensive Care Unit
- Decolonization to Reduce After-Surgery Events of Surgical Site Infection (PHASE4)
- Newborn Care Kit to Save Lives in GB, Pakistan (NA)
- Skin Preparation for Elective Foot and Ankle Surgery (PHASE4)
- Balanced Protein-Energy Supplement in Pregnancy and Early Lactation on Birth Outcomes and Growth in Southern Nepal (NA)
- Effect of Chlorhexidine Gluconate Hair Bath on the Development of Surgical Site Infection and Time to Discharge (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 soap CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Chlorhexidine gluconate soap updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Johns Hopkins University portfolio CI