If you buy a chlorhexidine treatment in a pharmacy or shop, follow the instructions that come with it. For prescription medicines, follow the advice from your doctor, dentist or pharmacist.
Wash your hands before and after using chlorhexidine. Keep it away from your eyes and ears. If chlorhexidine gets into your eyes or ears, rinse well with water.
Dosage and how to use chlorhexidine
Dosage and how to use lozenges
The usual dose of chlorhexidine lozenges for children aged 12 years and over is up to 5 lozenges a day. Adults can have up to 10 lozenges a day.
Put a lozenge in your mouth and let it melt slowly.
Wait at least 30 minutes before having something to eat or drink.
Dosage and how to use mouthwash
The usual dose is 10ml, twice a day.
Pour 10ml into the measuring cup. Rinse the mouthwash around your mouth for about 1 minute. Spit out the mouthwash, do not swallow it.
Wait at least 30 minutes before having something to eat or drink.
Dosage and how to use throat spray
The throat spray contains a combination of chlorhexidine and lidocaine.
Follow the instructions that come with the medicine packet.
How to use dental treatments
You'll usually use dental treatments once or twice a day.
If you're using dental gel, how you use it depends on why you need it. Follow the instructions from your doctor, dentist or pharmacist.
You may need to use the gel to brush your teeth or you may need to apply it directly to the affected area of your mouth. If you do this, put a small amount of gel onto your fingertip or a cotton bud. Gently wipe it across the surface of your mouth ulcer, your gum or the sore part of your mouth.
Wait at least 30 minutes before having something to eat or drink.
If you're applying the gel with your fingertip or a cotton bud, or if you're using another dental treatment, use it at a different time of day to when you brush your teeth. This is because toothpaste can stop chlorhexidine working properly.
If you cannot use it at a different time, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after brushing your teeth. Wait at least 5 minutes before using chlorhexidine.
If your symptoms do not improve after one week, or if they get worse at any time, stop using chlorhexidine and contact your dentist or doctor.
Important
Carry on using chlorhexidine until you have finished the course, even if you feel better. If you stop your treatment early, the infection could come back.
Check with your dentist, doctor or pharmacist if you're not sure how long to use it for.
Chlorhexidine skin treatments
Keep chlorhexidine skin treatments away from your eyes and mouth.
Skin treatments are usually used short-term for a few weeks, but occasionally you may have to use them for longer.
You can use treatments like Dermol lotion as both a body wash (soap substitute) and moisturising skin lotion.
How to use skin cream or lotion
Apply a thin layer of chlorhexidine cream or lotion to the affected areas of your skin. Follow the directions included in the packet.
Important: Fire warning
Skin cream can dry onto your clothes and bedding. This can make them more likely to catch fire. Avoid naked flames.
How to use chlorhexidine as soap substitute or wash
Use your chlorhexidine treatment instead of soap or shower gel when you wash. You use it in the same way as an ordinary soap or gel. However, it may not be as foamy.
Be careful not to slip in the bath or shower, or on a tiled floor, when using the cream or lotion.
If you're going into hospital, you may be sent a chlorhexidine product to wash with before you come into hospital to reduce the chances of infection. This should come with instructions on how to use it.
How long to use it for
This depends on the type of chlorhexidine you're using and what you're using it for.
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic medicine and is for short-term use only. If you use it for too long, it may not work as well.
With all chlorhexidine treatments, if you're not feeling better after you finish your prescribed course, tell your doctor or healthcare professional.
Dental treatments
You'll usually use chlorhexidine dental treatments for up to 4 weeks. They can stain your teeth if you use them for longer.
For gum disease, use it for 4 weeks.
For mouth ulcers and oral thrush, continue using the mouthwash for 2 days after your symptoms have gone.
Skin treatments
How long you should use chlorhexidine skin treatments can vary depending on what other ingredients are in the medicine and why you're using it.
Follow the instructions that come with your medicine. Ask your doctor or a pharmacist for advice if you're not sure how long to use it for.
Lozenges or sore throat spray
Only use chlorhexidine lozenges or sore throat spray for a short time.
Contact a doctor if your symptoms do not improve or get worse after 3 to 4 days.
If you forget to use it
If you forget a dose of your chlorhexidine dental or sore throat treatment, use it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and have your next dose at the usual time.
If you forget to use your chlorhexidine skin treatment, that's OK. Just start your routine again after the missed treatment and carry on as before.
If you have been prescribed chlorhexidine and you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember to take your medicine.
If you use too much
Chlorhexidine is usually a safe medicine if you follow the instructions that come with it. However, do not use more than the recommended dose.
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
- you or your child swallow chlorhexidine mouthwash, or you use more than the recommended dose of chlorhexidine and you feel unwell
Call 111 or get help from 111 online. Call 111 if you're asking about a child under 5 years old.
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring the chlorhexidine packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.