Chlorhexidine treatments are generally very safe. Many people use them without having any side effects at all.
Side effects of chlorhexidine skin treatments
There are no common side effects with chlorhexidine skin treatments. However, in rare cases, some people may get itchy, irritated or red skin. Redness may be more difficult to see on brown or black skin.
This may happen because you're using too much lotion or cream where you have folds or creases in your skin, such as around your groin.
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if this bothers you or does not go away.
Common side effects of chlorhexidine sore throat and dental treatments
Some people get peeling skin inside their mouth when using chlorhexidine. If this happens to you, stop using the medicine and the side effect will usually clear up. Speak to your dentist or doctor, who may be able to recommend a different medicine.
These common side effects of chlorhexidine sore throat and dental treatments happen in more than 1 in 100 people. They're usually mild and do not last long. There are things you can do to help cope with them:
Dry mouth
Have sips of water. Try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets. If this still bothers you, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or practice nurse. They may be able to recommend a spray, gel or lozenges to keep your mouth moist.
Short bursts of a mild burning, tingling or strange taste in your mouth
This sometimes happens when you first start treatment but improves as you keep using chlorhexidine. If it does not go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about it. It may be an allergy.
Your tongue changes colour
This is not permanent and will go when you stop using chlorhexidine.
Stained teeth
This is not permanent and will go when you stop using chlorhexidine. Make sure you brush your teeth regularly.
Speak to a doctor, dentist or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.
Serious side effects
Stop using chlorhexidine dental treatments and speak to a dentist, doctor or pharmacist, or call 111, if your mouth is sore or irritated.
Stop using chlorhexidine skin products and speak to a doctor or call 111 if you get a widespread skin rash.
Serious allergic reaction
It's extremely rare to have an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to chlorhexidine.
Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:
- your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- you're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air)
- your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow
- your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- someone faints and cannot be woken up
- a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.
These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
Do not drive yourself to A&E.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.
Other side effects
These are not all the side effects of chlorhexidine. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.
You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.