Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - Chlorhexidine Digluconate 0.2% w/v mouthwash
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Chlorhexidine Digluconate 0.2% w/v Mouthwash
2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Chlorhexidine Digluconate 0.2% w/v
(equivalent to Chlorhexidine Digluconate Solution Ph Eur 1.0% v/v)
Excipients with known effect: Macrogolglycerol Hydroxystearate
For full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Oromucosal solution
A clear, almost colourless liquid with an odour of peppermint.
4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
For inhibition of the formation of dental plaque.
As an aid in the treatment and prevention of gingivitis and in the maintenance of oral hygiene, particularly in situations where toothbrushing cannot be adequately employed (eg following oral surgery, in mentally or physically handicapped patients).
Also for use in a post-periodontal surgery or treatment* regimen to promote gingival healing.
*NB: Use as part of a post-periodontal treatment regimen has only been adequately studied over the short term and following standard root surface instrumentation.
It is useful in the management of aphthous ulceration and oral candidal infections (eg denture stomatitis and thrush).
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Adults:
Thoroughly rinse the mouth for about one minute with 10ml twice daily. Spit out after use. In the dental surgery the patient should be instructed to rinse the mouth for one minute prior to treatment.
For the treatment of gingivitis a course of about one month is advisable although some variation in response is to be expected. In the case of aphthous ulceration and oral candidal infections treatment should be continued for 48 hours after clinical resolution. For the treatment of dental stomatitis the dentures should be cleansed and soaked in Chlorhexidine Mouthwash for fifteen minutes twice daily.
Do not exceed the stated dose.
Children and the Elderly:
The normal adult dose is appropriate for elderly patients and children of 12 years and over unless otherwise recommended by the dentist or the physician.
Children under 12 years of age should not use the product unless recommended by a healthcare professional.
Method of administration
External (oral) use. [This product is not intended to be swallowed].
4.3 Contraindications
Chlorhexidine is contraindicated for patients who have previously shown a hypersensitivity reaction to Chlorhexidine or to any of the excipients in the formulation. However, such reactions are extremely rare.
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
For oral (external) use only. Do not swallow. Keep out of the eyes and ears.
Chlorhexidine Digluconate 0.2% w/v Mouthwash must not come into contact with the eye. Serious cases of persistent corneal injury, potentially requiring corneal transplant, were reported following accidental ocular exposure to chlorhexidine containing medical products despite taking eye protective measures due to migration of solution beyond the intended surgical preparation area. Extreme care must be taken during application to ensure that Chlorhexidine Digluconate 0.2% w/v Mouthwash does not migrate beyond its intended application site into the eyes. Particular care should be taken in anaesthetised patients, who are unable to immediately report
ocular exposure. If Chlorhexidine Digluconate 0.2% w/v Mouthwash comes into contact with the eyes, wash out promptly and thoroughly with water. An ophthalmologist’s advice should be sought.
In case of soreness, swelling or irritation of the mouth, stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Chlorhexidine is incompatible with anionic agents which are usually present in conventional toothpastes. These should therefore be used before Chlorhexidine (rinsing the mouth between applications) or at a different time of day.
In case of swelling or difficulty breathing, stop using the product and seek immediate medical help. Transient disturbances of taste sensation and a numbness, tingling or burning sensation of the tongue may occur on initial use of the mouthwash. These effects usually diminish with continued use. If the condition persists, consult a healthcare professional.
Discolouration of the teeth and tongue may occur. The stain is not permanent and can largely be prevented by reducing the consumption of dietary chromagens such as tea, coffee or red wine. In the case of dentures this can be prevented by cleaning with a conventional denture cleaner. In certain cases professional treatment (scaling and polishing) may be required to remove the stain completely. Stained anterior tooth- coloured restorations with poor margins or rough surfaces which are not adequately cleaned by professional prophylaxis may require replacement. Similarly where normal toothbrushing is not possible, for example with intermaxillary fixation, or with extensive orthodontic appliances, scaling and polishing may also be required once the underlying condition has been resolved.
This medicine contains Macrogolglycerol hydroxystearate which may cause skin reactions.
This medicine contains 672mg of alcohol (ethanol 96%) in each 10 ml dose. The amount in 10 ml of this medicine is equivalent to less than 17 ml beer or 7 ml wine.
The small amount of alcohol in this medicine will not have any noticeable effects.
This medicine contains 2000 mg sorbitol in each 10 ml dose. Patients with hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) should not take/be given this medicinal product.
Sorbitol may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and mild laxative effect.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Chlorhexidine is incompatible with anionic agents.
4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and lactation
There is no evidence of any adverse effects on the foetus arising from the use of Chlorhexidine during pregnancy or on infants during lactation. Therefore no special precautions are recommended.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
None have been reported or are known.
4.8 Undesirable effects
Adverse events are listed below by system organ class and frequency. Frequencies are defined as: Very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); and very rare (<1/10,000). The data from clinical trials are estimates. Post-marketing data refer to reporting rate rather than true frequency.
Clinical Trial Data
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Very common: Tongue coated
Common: Dry mouth
Nervous System Disorders
Common: Aguesia / dysguesia Glossodynia
Oral paraesthesia / hypoaesthesia
Post Marketing Data
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Isolated reports: Discoloration of the teeth and tongue (see section 4.4)
Irritation of the mouth (see section 4.4)
Desquamation / swelling of oral mucosa (see section 4.4) Parotid gland swelling
Immune System disorders
Isolated reports: Hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis
(section 4.3 and 4.4)
Eye Disorders
Frequency not known: Corneal erosion, epithelium defect/corneal injury, significant permanent visual impairment*.
* Cases of severe corneal erosion and permanent significant visual impairment due to inadvertent ocular exposure have been reported post-marketing, leading to some patients requiring corneal transplant (see section 4.4).
Undesirable effects are generally minor and local in nature.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions:
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
4.9 Overdose
This has not been reported.
Due to the alcohol content (7.0% v/v), ingestion of large amounts by children requires attention, seek medical advice for appropriate action.
Accidental ingestion: Chlorhexidine taken orally is poorly absorbed. Systemic effects are unlikely even if large volumes are ingested. However, gastric lavage may be advisable using milk, raw egg, gelatin or mild soap. Employ supportive measures as appropriate.
5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Anti-infectives and antiseptics for local oral treatment
ATC code: A01A B03
Chlorhexidine Mouthwash contains 0.2% w/v chlorhexidine digluconate which is an antimicrobial preparation for external use. It is effective against a wide range of Gram negative and Gram positive vegetative bacteria, yeasts, dermatophyte fungi and lipophilic viruses. It is active against a wide range of important oral pathogens and is therefore effective in the treatment of many common dental conditions.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Because of its cationic nature, chlorhexidine binds strongly to skin, mucosa and tissues and is thus very poorly absorbed. No detectable blood levels have been found following oral use.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
No information further to that contained in other sections of the SPC is included.
6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
Ethanol (96 per cent)
Macrogolglycerol Hydroxystearate
Sorbitol 70 per cent (non-crystallising)
Peppermint Flavour
Purified Water
6.2 Incompatibilities
Hypochlorite bleaches may cause brown stains to develop in fabrics that have previously been in contact with preparations containing chlorhexidine.
6.3 Shelf life
Unopened: Two years
Opened: One month
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Do not store above 25°C.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
Amber polyethylene terephthalate bottle with a white polypropylene conical screw cap.
Each bottle contains 300ml.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal
None
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Kent Pharma UK Limited
2nd Floor, Connect 38, 1 Dover Place,
Ashford, Kent, England, TN23 1FB
8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
PL 51463/0143
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE
AUTHORISATION
12/06/2025
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
12/06/2025