Last reviewed · How we verify
Polyhexamethylene biguanide
Polyhexamethylene biguanide is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that disrupts bacterial cell membranes and inhibits microbial growth.
Polyhexamethylene biguanide is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that disrupts bacterial cell membranes and inhibits microbial growth. Used for Oral antimicrobial rinse for plaque and gingivitis control, Dental antiseptic for oral hygiene.
At a glance
| Generic name | Polyhexamethylene biguanide |
|---|---|
| Also known as | PHMB |
| Sponsor | Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine |
| Drug class | Antimicrobial/Antiseptic agent |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Dental/Oral Care |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
This cationic polymer works by binding to negatively charged bacterial cell membranes, causing membrane disruption and leakage of cellular contents. It has activity against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as some fungi and viruses, making it useful as a topical antimicrobial and antiseptic agent.
Approved indications
- Oral antimicrobial rinse for plaque and gingivitis control
- Dental antiseptic for oral hygiene
Common side effects
- Tooth staining
- Taste alteration
- Oral irritation
Key clinical trials
- Efficacy of a Polyhexanide Biguanide-Based Gel in the Prevention of Biofilm Formation in Pressure Ulcers (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Parasitic Ulcer Treatment Trial (PHASE3)
- Impact of Prontosan Wound Gel X on Surgical Site Infections in Cardiac Surgery
- Retrospective Chart Review of Patients With Acanthamoeba Keratitis Who Have Received 0.8 mg/mL Polihexanide as Part of the "Medicines in Special Situations" (Medicamentos en Situaciones Especiales) Program in Spain.
- Retrospective Chart Review of Patients With Acanthamoeba Keratitis Who Have Received 0.8 mg/ml Polihexanide
- UROtainer for Bladder Catheter Maintenance, Infection Prevention and Quality of Life (NA)
- Acetic Acid 2% Solution for Skin Ulcers (PHASE3)
- Ostomy Primary Closure With 0.1% Betaine/Polyhexanide Wound Irrigation Compared to Pursestring Closure (PHASE4)
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:
- Polyhexamethylene biguanide CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Polyhexamethylene biguanide updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine portfolio CI