On this page

Chlorhexidine Gluconate

Prescription ANDA TE AT Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Chlorhexidine Gluconate
Generic name
Chlorhexidine Gluconate
Dosage form
Rinse
Route
Oral
Marketing category
ANDA · ANDA
Labeler
Xttrium Laboratories, Inc.
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
1
NDC product codes
20
Packages
36
Data completeness
83% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Chlorhexidine Gluconate 1.2 mg/mL 1667684 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Rinse
Route of administration
Oral
Presentations
56

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Decreased Cell Wall Integrity [PE] PE All 26 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
077789
Application type
ANDA · Abbreviated New Drug Application
Approval date
June 18, 2009
Sponsor
PHARMOBEDIENT
Products on application
1
Submissions recorded
3
Products approved under application 077789.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
077789-001 CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE SOLUTION CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE Prescription AT

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AT
Reference Listed Drug
No
Reference Standard
No

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (topical dermatological products)

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 077789.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 11 Labeling Approved August 8, 2023 Standard
Supplement 7 Labeling Approved July 28, 2015 Standard
Original application 1 Approved June 18, 2009 —

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260825). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260825 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20230112 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20220119 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20190102

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

INDICATIONS AND USAGE: Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse USP, 0.12% is indicated for use between dental visits as part of a professional program for the treatment of gingivitis as characterized by redness and swelling of the gingivae, including gingival bleeding upon probing. Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse USP, 0.12% has not been tested among patients with acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG). For patients having coexisting gingivitis and periodontitis, see PRECAUTIONS .

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse USP, 0.12% therapy should be initiated directly following a dental prophylaxis. Patients using chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse USP, 0.12% should be reevaluated and given a thorough prophylaxis at intervals no longer than six months. Recommended use is twice daily oral rinsing for 30 seconds, morning and evening after toothbrushing. Usual dosage is 1/2 fl. oz. (one 15 mL unit-dose cup) of undiluted chlorhexidine gluconate oral Rinse USP, 0.12%. Patients should be instructed not to rinse with water or other mouthwashes, brush teeth, or eat immediately after using chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse USP, 0.12%. Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse USP, 0.12% is not intended for ingestion and should be expectorated after rinsing.

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

Contrainidcations CONTRAINDICATIONS: Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse should not be used by persons who are known to be hypersensitive to chlorhexidine gluconate or other formula ingredients.

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

Warnings and Precautions WARNINGS : The effect of chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse on periodontitis has not been determined. An increase in supragingival calculus was noted in clinical testing in chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse users compared with control users. It is not known if chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse use results in an increase in subgingival calculus. Calculus deposits should be removed by a dental prophylaxis at intervals not greater than six months. Anaphylaxis, as well as serious allergic reactions, have been reported during postmarketing use with dental products containing chlorhexidine. SEE CONTRAINDICATIONS. PRECAUTIONS : General: 1. For patients having coexisting gingivitis and periodontitis, the presence or absence of gingival inflammation following treatment with chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse should not be used as a major indicator of underlying periodontitis. 2. Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse can cause staining of oral surfaces, such as tooth surfaces, restorations, and the dorsum of the tongue. Not all patients will experience a visually significant increase in tooth staining. In clinical testing, 56% of chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse users exhibited a measurable increase in facial anterior stain, compared to 35% of control users after six months; 15% of chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse users developed what was judged to be heavy stain, compared to 1% of control users after six months. Stain will be more pronounced in patients who have heavier accumulations of unremoved plaque. Stain resulting from use of chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse does not adversely affect health of the gingivae or other oral tissues. Stain can be removed from most tooth surfaces by conventional professional prophylactic techniques. Additional time may be required to complete the prophylaxis. Discretion should be used when prescribing to patients with anterior facial restorations with rough surfaces or margins. If natural stain cannot be removed from these surfaces by a dental prophylaxis, patients should be excluded from chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse treatment if permanent discoloration is unacceptable. Stain in these areas may be difficult to remove by dental prophylaxis and on rare occasions may necessitate replacement of these restorations. 3. Some patients may experience an alteration in taste perception while undergoing treatment with chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse. Rare instances of permanent taste alteration following chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse use have been reported via post-marketing product surveillance.

WARNINGS: The effect of chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse USP, 0.12% on periodontitis has not been determined. An increase in supragingival calculus was noted in clinical testing with users of chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse USP, 0.12% compared with control users. It is not known if chlorhexidine gluconate use results in an increase of subgingival calculus. Calculus deposits should be removed by a dental prophylaxis at intervals not greater than six months. Anaphylaxis, as well as serious allergic reactions, have been reported during postmarketing use with dental products containing chlorhexidine. SEE CONTRAINDICATIONS .

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common side effects associated with chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinses are: 1) an increase in staining of teeth and other oral surfaces; 2) an increase in calculus formation; and 3) an alteration in taste perception, see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS . Oral irritation and local allergy-type symptoms have been spontaneously reported as side effects associated with the use of chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse. The following oral mucosal side effects were reported during placebo-controlled adult clinical trials: aphthous ulcer, grossly obvious gingivitis, trauma, ulceration, erythema, desquamation, coated tongue, keratinization, geographic tongue, mucocele, and short frenum. Each occurred at a frequency of less than 1%. Among postmarketing reports, the most frequently reported oral mucosal symptoms associated with chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse are stomatitis, gingivitis, glossitis, ulcer, dry mouth, hypesthesia, glossal edema, and paresthesia. Minor irritation and superficial desquamation of the oral mucosa have been noted in patients using chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse. There have been cases of parotid gland swelling and inflammation of the salivary glands (sialadenitis) reported in patients using chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact PAI Pharma at 1-800-845-8210 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

DESCRIPTION This product is an oral rinse containing 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate (1,1'-hexamethylene bis [5-(p-chlorophenyl) biguanide]di-D-gluconate) in a base containing water, 11.6% alcohol, glycerin, PEG-40 sorbitan diisostearate, peppermint oil, saccharin sodium, and FD&C Blue #1. The pH may be adjusted with hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide. The solution is near-neutral (pH range 5–7). Chlorhexidine gluconate is a salt of chlorhexidine and gluconic acid. Its molecular formula is C 22 H 30 Cl 2 N 10 •2C 6 H 12 O 7 , molecular weight 897.77 and its structural formula is: Chemical Structure

OVERDOSAGE Ingestion of 1 or 2 ounces of chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse, 0.12% by a small child (~10 kg body weight) might result in gastric distress, including nausea, or signs of alcohol intoxication. Medical attention should be sought if more than 4 ounces of chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse, 0.12% is ingested by a small child or if signs of alcohol intoxication develop.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

HOW SUPPLIED Chlorhexidine Gluconate Oral Rinse USP 0.12% is supplied as a blue liquid in the following sizes: 16 fluid ounce or 1 pint (473 mL) (NDC 0374-5080-02) amber plastic bottles with child-resistant dispensing closures. 1/2 fluid ounce (15 mL) (NDC 0374-5080-01) amber plastic unit-dose cups. Store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F); excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59°-86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Termperature]. Dispense in original container or in amber glass bottles. ​What to expect when using Chlorhexidine Gluconate Oral Rinse ​Your dentist has prescribed Chlorhexidine Gluconate Oral Rinse to treat your gingivitis, to help reduce the redness and swelling of your gums, and also to help you control any gum bleeding. Use Chlorhexidine Gluconate Oral Rinse regularly, as directed by your dentist, in addition to daily brushing. Spit out after use. Chlorhexidine Gluconate Oral Rinse should not be swallowed. If you develop allergic symptoms such as skin rash, itch, generalized swelling, breathing difficulties, light headedness, rapid heart rate, upset stomach or diarrhea, seek medical attention immediately. Chlorhexidine Gluconate Oral Rinse should not be used by persons who have a sensitivity to it or its components. Chlorhexidine Gluconate Oral Rinse may cause some tooth discoloration, or increases in tartar (calculus) formation, particularly in areas where stain and tartar usually form. 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. Both stain and tartar can be removed by your dentist or hygienist. Chlorhexidine Gluconate Oral Rinse may cause permanent discoloration of some front-tooth fillings. To minimize discoloration, you should brush and floss daily, emphasizing areas which begin to discolor. Chlorhexidine Gluconate Oral Rinse 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 Gluconate Oral Rinse. To avoid taste interference, rinse with Chlorhexidine Gluconate Oral Rinse ​after ​meals. Do not rinse with water or other mouthwashes immediately after rinsing with Chlorhexidine Gluconate Oral Rinse. If you have any questions or comments about Chlorhexidine Gluconate Oral Rinse, contact your dentist or Pharmacist. Call your health care provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. ​Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. ​Manufactured by: ​Lyne Laboratories, Inc. Brockton, MA 02301 R2-07/15

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
9,457
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Recalls

Source: FDA Enforcement
Drug recall enforcement reports associated with this product.
Classification Reported Firm Reason Status
Class II July 12, 2017 Xttrium Laboratories Inc CGMP Deviations Terminated

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
50090-0722-0 50090-0722 A-S Medication Solutions 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE (50090-0722-0) November 28, 2014
17856-2002-3 17856-2002 ATLANTIC BIOLOGICALS CORP. 15 mL in 1 CUP (17856-2002-3) March 26, 2020
17856-2002-4 17856-2002 ATLANTIC BIOLOGICALS CORP. 40 SYRINGE in 1 BOX, UNIT-DOSE (17856-2002-4) / 15 mL in 1 SYRINGE April 5, 2024
17856-2002-5 17856-2002 ATLANTIC BIOLOGICALS CORP. 30 mL in 1 CUP (17856-2002-5) March 26, 2020
17856-2001-3 17856-2001 Atlantic Biologicals Corps. 10 mL in 1 CUP (17856-2001-3) July 22, 2016
17856-2001-5 17856-2001 Atlantic Biologicals Corps. 5 mL in 1 CUP (17856-2001-5) July 22, 2016
66975-600-04 66975-600 Benco Dental 118 mL in 1 BOTTLE (66975-600-04) November 1, 2019
66975-600-16 66975-600 Benco Dental 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE (66975-600-16) August 22, 2016
66467-2560-1 66467-2560 Darby Dental Supply, LLC 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (66467-2560-1) July 2, 2006
66467-2560-4 66467-2560 Darby Dental Supply, LLC 118 mL in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (66467-2560-4) August 4, 2017
59883-175-16 59883-175 Den-mat Holdings, Llc 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (59883-175-16) June 18, 2009
0374-5080-01 0374-5080 Lyne Laboratories, Inc. 15 mL in 1 CUP, UNIT-DOSE (0374-5080-01) November 1, 2017
0374-5080-02 0374-5080 Lyne Laboratories, Inc. 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE (0374-5080-02) November 1, 2017
0904-7035-80 0904-7035 Major Pharmaceuticals 10 TRAY in 1 CASE (0904-7035-80) / 10 CUP, UNIT-DOSE in 1 TRAY / 15 mL in 1 CUP, UNIT-DOSE (0904-7035-88) November 20, 2020
0904-7035-87 0904-7035 Major Pharmaceuticals 4 TRAY in 1 CASE (0904-7035-87) / 10 CUP, UNIT-DOSE in 1 TRAY / 15 mL in 1 CUP, UNIT-DOSE (0904-7035-88) November 20, 2020
53329-301-24 53329-301 Medline Industries, LP 15 mL in 1 BOTTLE (53329-301-24) August 5, 2010
53329-301-30 53329-301 Medline Industries, LP 100 BOTTLE in 1 CASE (53329-301-30) / 15 mL in 1 BOTTLE (53329-301-24) January 1, 2022
68071-1837-6 68071-1837 NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc. 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE (68071-1837-6) August 16, 2017
0121-0893-00 0121-0893 PAI Holdings, LLC dba PAI Pharma 10 TRAY in 1 CASE (0121-0893-00) / 10 CUP, UNIT-DOSE in 1 TRAY / 15 mL in 1 CUP, UNIT-DOSE (0121-0893-15) September 18, 2020
0121-0893-40 0121-0893 PAI Holdings, LLC dba PAI Pharma 4 TRAY in 1 CASE (0121-0893-40) / 10 CUP, UNIT-DOSE in 1 TRAY / 15 mL in 1 CUP, UNIT-DOSE (0121-0893-15) September 18, 2020
0121-1786-16 0121-1786 PAI Holdings, LLC dba PAI Pharma 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE (0121-1786-16) August 25, 2026
68788-9546-4 68788-9546 Preferred Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE (68788-9546-4) October 22, 2013
63187-685-16 63187-685 Proficient Rx LP 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE (63187-685-16) April 1, 2016
70518-4494-0 70518-4494 REMEDYREPACK INC. 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE (70518-4494-0) October 8, 2025
66689-106-50 66689-106 VistaPharm, LLC 50 CUP, UNIT-DOSE in 1 CASE (66689-106-50) / 15 mL in 1 CUP, UNIT-DOSE (66689-106-01) January 24, 2022
66689-106-99 66689-106 VistaPharm, LLC 100 CUP, UNIT-DOSE in 1 CASE (66689-106-99) / 15 mL in 1 CUP, UNIT-DOSE (66689-106-01) January 24, 2022
0116-0175-16 0116-0175 Xttrium Laboratories, Inc. 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (0116-0175-16) June 18, 2009
0116-0301-15 0116-0301 Xttrium Laboratories, Inc. 15 mL in 1 BOTTLE (0116-0301-15) August 5, 2010
0116-2001-04 0116-2001 Xttrium Laboratories, Inc. 118 mL in 1 BOTTLE (0116-2001-04) June 1, 2010
0116-2001-05 0116-2001 Xttrium Laboratories, Inc. 15 mL in 1 CUP, UNIT-DOSE (0116-2001-05) January 1, 2021
0116-2001-06 0116-2001 Xttrium Laboratories, Inc. 600 mL in 1 CASE (0116-2001-06) January 1, 2021
0116-2001-07 0116-2001 Xttrium Laboratories, Inc. 1500 mL in 1 CASE (0116-2001-07) January 1, 2021
0116-2001-15 0116-2001 Xttrium Laboratories, Inc. 15 mL in 1 BOTTLE (0116-2001-15) June 1, 2010
0116-2001-16 0116-2001 Xttrium Laboratories, Inc. 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE (0116-2001-16) June 1, 2010
0116-6000-04 0116-6000 Xttrium Laboratories, Inc. 118 mL in 1 BOTTLE (0116-6000-04) November 1, 2019
0116-6000-16 0116-6000 Xttrium Laboratories, Inc. 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE (0116-6000-16) April 18, 2012
50090-0722 50090-0722 A-S Medication Solutions — June 1, 2010
17856-2002 17856-2002 ATLANTIC BIOLOGICALS CORP. — June 1, 2010
17856-2001 17856-2001 Atlantic Biologicals Corps. — August 1, 2009
66975-600 66975-600 Benco Dental — April 18, 2012
66467-2560 66467-2560 Darby Dental Supply, LLC — July 2, 2006
59883-175 59883-175 Den-mat Holdings, Llc — June 18, 2009
0374-5080 0374-5080 Lyne Laboratories, Inc. — November 1, 2017
0904-7035 0904-7035 Major Pharmaceuticals — November 20, 2020
53329-301 53329-301 Medline Industries, LP — August 5, 2010
68071-1837 68071-1837 NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc. — August 1, 2009
0121-0893 0121-0893 PAI Holdings, LLC dba PAI Pharma — December 15, 1995
0121-1786 0121-1786 PAI Holdings, LLC dba PAI Pharma — August 25, 2026
68788-9546 68788-9546 Preferred Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — October 22, 2013
63187-685 63187-685 Proficient Rx LP — August 1, 2009
70518-4494 70518-4494 REMEDYREPACK INC. — October 8, 2025
66689-106 66689-106 VistaPharm, LLC — January 24, 2022
0116-0175 0116-0175 Xttrium Laboratories, Inc. — June 18, 2009
0116-0301 0116-0301 Xttrium Laboratories, Inc. — August 5, 2010
0116-2001 0116-2001 Xttrium Laboratories, Inc. — June 1, 2010
0116-6000 0116-6000 Xttrium Laboratories, Inc. — April 18, 2012

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts
Enforcement FDA Recall records

Generated September 25, 2026 · 13 sections on this page.