Periogard

Chlorhexidine is a prescription medication used to treat gingivitis, redness and swelling of gums, and to control gum bleeding. It is also used to help treat peridontitis, or gum disease. This medication belongs to a group of drugs called antimicrobials. It works by reducing bacteria in the mouth.

Chlorhexidine comes as an oral rinse. Use chlorhexidine rinse regularly, as directed by your dentist, in addition to daily brushing. Spit out after use. Chlorhexidine rinse should not be swallowed. Do not rinse with water or other mouthwashes immediately after rinsing with chlorhexidine.

Chlorhexidine also comes as a dental chip. It is inserted by your dentinst into the gum pocket at most once every three months.

Common side effects of the rinse include tooth discoloration, tartar buildup, and altered taste.

Common side effects of the chip include toothache, headache, and upper airway infection.

Chlorhexidine is a prescription medication used to treat gingivitis, redness and swelling of gums, and to control gum bleeding. It is also used to help treat peridontitis, or gum disease.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.

The recommended dose of chlorhexidine rinse for the treatment of treat gingivitis, redness and swelling of gums, and to control gum bleeding is 15ml (marked in cap) twice a day.

The recommended dose of chlorhexidine dental chip for the treatment of treat gingivitis, redness and swelling of gums, and to control gum bleeding is 2.5 mg chip every 3 months.

Serious side effects have been reported with chlorhexidine including the following:

• Allergic symptoms. Tell your health care provider right away if you have some or all of the following symptoms of allergic symptoms.
  • skin rash
  • itch
  • generalized swelling
  • breathing difficulties
  • light headedness
  • rapid heart rate
  • upset stomach
  • diarrhea
• Pain or swelling. Notify your dentist promptly if pain, swelling, or other problems occur. (Some mild to moderate sensitivity is normal during the first week after placement of chip)

Do not use chlorhexidine if you have a known to be hypersensitive to chlorhexidine gluconate or other formula ingredients.

Common side effects of the rinse include tooth discoloration, tartar buildup, and altered taste.

Common side effects of the chip include toothache, headache, and upper airway infection.

This is not a complete list of chlorhexidine side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

No drug interactions have been determined by the manufacturer. However, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Not all drug interactions are known or reported and new drug interactions are continually being reported.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Chlorhexidine rinse falls into category B.  There are no well-done studies that have been done in humans with Chlorhexidine. In animal studies, pregnant animals were given this medication, and the babies did not show any medical issues related to this medication.

Chlorhexidine chip falls into category C. There are no well-controlled studies that have been done in pregnant women. Chlorhexidine chip should be used during pregnancy only if the possible benefit outweighs the possible risk to the unborn baby.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

It is not known if chlorhexidine crosses into human milk. Because many medications can cross into human milk and because of the possibility for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants with use of this medication, a choice should be made whether to stop nursing or stop the use of this medication. Your doctor and you will decide if the benefits outweigh the risk of using chlorhexidine.

Chlorhexidine may cause some tooth discoloration or increase in tartar formation. It is important to see your dentist for removal of any stain or tartar at least every six months or more frequently if your dentist advises.

Chlorhexidine may taste bitter to some patients and can affect how foods and beverages taste. This will become less noticeable in most cases with continued use of chlorhexidine.

To avoid changes in taste, rinse with chlorhexidine after meals.

Do not rinse with water or other mouthwashes immediately after rinsing with chlorhexidine.

Patients should avoid dental floss at the site of Chlorhexidine dental chip insertion for 10 days after placement, because flossing might cause the chip to fall out.