What is Peridex (Chlorhexidine Topical)?

Chlorhexidine gluconate is a germicidal mouthwash that reduces bacteria in the mouth.
Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse is used to treat gingivitis (swelling, redness, bleeding gums). Chlorhexidine gluconate is usually prescribed by a dentist.
Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse is not for treating all types of gingivitis. Use the medication only to treat the condition your dentist prescribed it for. Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same gum symptoms you have.
Chlorhexidine gluconate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Peridex (Chlorhexidine Topical)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate.
If you have periodontal disease, you may need special treatments while you are using chlorhexidine gluconate.
Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse is not for treating all types of gingivitis. Use the medication only to treat the condition your dentist prescribed it for. Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same gum symptoms you have.
Do not give this medication to a child or teenager without a doctor’s advice.
Do not add water to chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse. Do not rinse your mouth with water or other mouthwashes right after using chlorhexidine gluconate.
Avoid eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth just after using this medication.
Do not use any other mouthwash unless your doctor has told you to.
Chlorhexidine gluconate can stain teeth, dentures, tooth restorations, your tongue, or the inside of your mouth. Talk with your dentist about ways to remove staining from these surfaces. Stains may be harder to remove from false teeth that have scratches in their surfaces.
Visit your dentist at least every 6 months for preventive tooth and gum care.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Peridex (Chlorhexidine Topical)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate.
If you have periodontal disease, you may need special treatments while you are using chlorhexidine gluconate.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether chlorhexidine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medication to a child or teenager without a doctor’s advice.

Peridex Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Peridex (Chlorhexidine Topical)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if you have a serious side effect such as:

• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips
• mouth ulcers; or
• swelling of your salivary glands (underneath your jaws)

Less serious side effects may include:

• mouth irritation
• dry mouth
• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth; or
• decreased taste sensation

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Peridex Interactions

What other drugs affect Peridex (Chlorhexidine Topical)?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Peridex (Chlorhexidine Topical)?

Avoid eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth just after using this medication.
Do not use any other mouthwash unless your doctor has told you to.
Chlorhexidine gluconate can stain teeth, dentures, tooth restorations, your tongue, or the inside of your mouth. Talk with your dentist about ways to remove staining from these surfaces. Stains may be harder to remove from false teeth that have scratches in their surfaces.

Peridex Dosage

How should I take Peridex (Chlorhexidine Topical)?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Rinse your mouth with chlorhexidine gluconate twice daily after brushing your teeth.
Measure your dose using the cup provided with the medication. Swish the medicine in your mouth for at least 30 seconds, then spit it out. Do not swallow the mouthwash.
Do not add water to the oral rinse. Do not rinse your mouth with water or other mouthwashes right after using chlorhexidine gluconate.
Chlorhexidine gluconate may leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Do not rinse your mouth to remove this taste after using the medication. You may rinse the medicine away and reduce its effectiveness.
Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before your gingivitis is completely cleared. Chlorhexidine gluconate will not treat a viral or fungal infection such as cold sores, canker sores, or oral thrush (yeast infection).
Visit your dentist at least every 6 months for preventive tooth and gum care.
Store chlorhexidine gluconate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Peridex (Chlorhexidine Topical)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine, or if a child has swallowed 4 or more ounces of this medicine.
An overdose of chlorhexidine would occur only if the medicine were swallowed. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, stomach pain, or the appearance of being drunk.

What happens if I miss a dose of Peridex (Chlorhexidine Topical)?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember, but brush your teeth first. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com