Klorhexidinsprit, Färgad Fresenius Kabi (Chlorhexidine Gluconate)

Klorhexidinsprit, Färgad is a topical antiseptic used to control skin flora in several clinical situations.

• Skin antisepsis: Reduces bacterial load on intact skin before invasive procedures.
• Pre‑operative skin preparation: Provides rapid, broad‑spectrum antimicrobial action to lower infection risk during surgery.
• Wound cleaning: Helps cleanse contaminated wounds and supports healing by limiting microbial growth.
• Catheter site disinfection: Prevents colonisation around catheter insertion points, reducing catheter‑related infections.

• Chlorhexidine gluconate acts by binding to bacterial cell membranes, disrupting their integrity and causing leakage of intracellular components. This loss of membrane function leads to rapid bacterial cell death and provides a residual antimicrobial effect on the skin surface.

Topical application of chlorhexidine gluconate can cause local reactions, ranging from mild irritation to rare severe events.

Common Side Effects

• Skin irritation: Mild redness or discomfort at the application site.
• Burning sensation: Transient stinging feeling upon contact.
• Redness: Local erythema that usually resolves quickly.
• Itching: Minor pruritus in some users.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Allergic contact dermatitis: Severe skin reaction with swelling and blistering.
• Anaphylaxis: Rare systemic allergic response requiring immediate medical attention.
• Severe skin necrosis: Localized tissue death in extreme hypersensitivity cases.

When using Klorhexidinsprit, Färgad, follow these safety measures.

• Avoid use on mucous membranes: The product is intended for intact skin only.
• Do not apply to large broken skin areas: May increase systemic absorption.
• Keep away from eyes: Contact can cause irritation.
• Do not use with anionic soaps: May reduce antiseptic efficacy.
• Store at room temperature: Keep in the original container, protect from light and moisture.

Chlorhexidine gluconate may interact with certain substances; consider the following.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Alcohol‑based antiseptics: Co‑application can cause precipitation and reduced effectiveness.
• Anionic surfactants (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate): Inactivate chlorhexidine, compromising antimicrobial activity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Other topical antiseptics (e.g., povidone‑iodine): May cause additive irritation; monitor skin response.
• Wound dressings containing anionic polymers: May bind chlorhexidine and lower its availability.
• Systemic antibiotics (e.g., aminoglycosides): No direct interaction, but monitor for overlapping toxicity if large skin areas are treated.