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Overview: Chlorhexidine oral rinse is a mouthwash commonly used to treat gingivitis (red, swollen gums).  It helps reduce certain bacteria in the mouth. The most common side effects are tooth staining, extra tartar buildup on your teeth, and bitter taste. Serious side effects are rare but may include allergic reactions. Visit your dentist regularly while you are using this medicine, at least every six months, to remove stains and tartar buildup.

Uses

What is chlorhexidine oral rinse used for?

Chlorhexidine oral rinse is commonly used for gingivitis, a problem where your gums are swollen, sore, and red. It helps reduce certain bacteria in the mouth.

Chlorhexidine oral rinse may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does chlorhexidine oral rinse work (mechanism of action)?

Chlorhexidine oral rinse works to reduce certain bacteria in the mouth. Along with regular brushing, flossing, and dental care, using chlorhexidine oral rinse can help heal your gums and control gum bleeding. 

How is chlorhexidine oral rinse supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Paroex 
  • Peridex
  • PerioGard

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.12% dental solution (mouthwash)

How should I store chlorhexidine oral rinse?

Chlorhexidine oral rinse should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of chlorhexidine oral rinse?

The most common side effects of chlorhexidine oral rinse are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Tooth staining
  • Extra tartar buildup on your teeth
  • Unusual or bitter taste in your mouth, or changes in how foods taste

There may be other side effects of chlorhexidine oral rinse that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of chlorhexidine oral rinse?

While less common, the most serious side effects of chlorhexidine oral rinse are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Chlorhexidine oral rinse may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using chlorhexidine oral rinse and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use chlorhexidine oral rinse?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use chlorhexidine oral rinse.

  • Peridex
  • PerioGard
  • Chlorhexidine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific chlorhexidine oral rinse products they stock.

What should I know about chlorhexidine oral rinse before using it?

Do not use chlorhexidine oral rinse unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share chlorhexidine oral rinse with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep chlorhexidine oral rinse out of the reach of children.

Some chlorhexidine oral rinse products contain alcohol. Tell your healthcare provider if you prefer or need an alcohol-free product.

Do not swallow chlorhexidine oral rinse. Spit it out after rinsing your mouth. 

Use chlorhexidine oral rinse after a meal and after you brush your teeth. Do not rinse your mouth with water right after using chlorhexidine oral rinse. Do not eat, use other mouthwashes, or brush your teeth right away after using it. 

Chlorhexidine oral rinse can stain your teeth and cause extra tartar buildup. To remove these stains and tartar, visit your dentist regularly, at least every six months. To reduce staining between dentist visits, brush and floss regularly. Staining of dental fillings may be permanent.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using chlorhexidine oral rinse?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if chlorhexidine oral rinse is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Severe Gum Disease. Chlorhexidine oral rinse is commonly used to treat gingivitis (red, swollen gums), but it may not help if you have more severe gum disease. Tell your healthcare provider if you have periodontitis or a severe gum infection (acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis). Chlorhexidine oral rinse may increase tartar buildup above the gumline, which could make these conditions worse, especially without regular dentist visits. 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how chlorhexidine oral rinse could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if chlorhexidine oral rinse passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does chlorhexidine oral rinse interact with foods or drinks?

Do not rinse your mouth with water or eat right after using chlorhexidine oral rinse. This can worsen side effects, such as a bitter taste in your mouth or an unusual taste to your food. 

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect chlorhexidine oral rinse.

Does chlorhexidine oral rinse interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between chlorhexidine oral rinse and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much chlorhexidine oral rinse?

Do not swallow chlorhexidine oral rinse. Spit it out after use. If you or someone else has swallowed too much chlorhexidine oral rinse, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222. 

What should I do if I miss a dose of chlorhexidine oral rinse?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.