Chlorhexidine & Cetrimide Irrigation Solution
Generic Name: chlorhexidine gluconate and cetrimide
Product Name: Chlorhexidine & Cetrimide Irrigation Solution
Indication: What Chlorhexidine & Cetrimide Irrigation Solution is used for
Your doctor or nurse will use Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution for cleansing and irrigating the skin or dirty wounds. It contains antiseptics which will help prevent infection.
Action: How Chlorhexidine & Cetrimide Irrigation Solution works
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic and disinfectant which is effective against a wide range of vegetative Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, some viruses and some fungi. Chlorhexidine is most active at a neutral or slightly acid pH and its activity may be reduced by blood and other organic matter.
Cetrimide is a quaternary ammonium disinfectant with properties typical of cationic surfactants. Solutions of these surfactants have emulsifying and detergent properties and bactericidal activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms but higher concentrations are necessary to kill the latter. The combined detergent and antibacterial properties of cetrimide make it useful in cleansing dirty or infected wounds.
Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution comes in two different strengths and contains the active ingredients chlorhexidine gluconate and cetrimide. The colouring agent Sunset Yellow is also present. These ingredients are dissolved in purified water.
Dose advice: How to use Chlorhexidine & Cetrimide Irrigation Solution
Before you use Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution
Do not use it after the expiry date (EXP) printed on the label.
It may have no effect at all, or worse, an entirely unexpected effect if you take it after the expiry date.
Do not use Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
Wounds may take longer to heal if cetrimide is used regularly. Therefore it is important to use this product as directed by the doctor.
You must tell your doctor if you have allergies to:
- Chlorhexidine;
- Cetrimide;
- Any of the ingredients listed here;
- Any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes.
If you have an allergic reaction, you may get a skin rash.
Before any Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution is used please tell your doctor about any of these things and anything else which you feel is important.
How Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution is used
Your doctor or nurse will normally use this irrigation to wash and clean your skin or wounds. It is for external use only and should not be injected or swallowed. It should not be used in the eyes or ears.
Your doctor or nurse will decide how much of the irrigation to use which will be sufficient for your needs. As each irrigation is sterile, your doctor will use a new solution each time.
If you are given this product to use at home it must be used as directed by your doctor or nurse. Rinse the area to be cleaned with water, then use the smallest amount of irrigation to gently wash the area. Rinse again with water thoroughly. Use a new solution each time.
Your doctor or nurse will be happy to discuss the way the Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution will be used.
Overdose
As your doctor or nurse will administer this irrigation, they will use the correct amount. As it is for external use only, it is unlikely an overdose will occur.
Immediately telephone your doctor or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if you think that someone may have drunk Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution or if it has been put into the eyes or ears, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Storage
If you have this product at home, it should be kept in the original container, in a safe place, out of reach of children. A locked cupboard at least one and a half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution should be stored below 25 degrees C and protected from light.
Do not leave Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution in the car on hot days.
Disposal
Do not exceed the stated expiry date printed on the label.
Schedule of Chlorhexidine & Cetrimide Irrigation Solution
Chlorhexidine & Cetrimide Irrigation Solution is not scheduled.
Side effects of Chlorhexidine & Cetrimide Irrigation Solution
Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution helps most people when used for washing and cleansing the skin or wounds, but it may have some unwanted side-effects in a few people.
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.
Tell your doctor if you experience a skin rash or reaction.
If you get a skin rash it may be because you have had an allergic reaction to the irrigation. If this is the case, you should no longer use this irrigation.
Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist as soon as possible if you feel anything unusual during or after Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution has been used.
For further information talk to your doctor.
References
Dates
Created by: