On this page
Chlorhexidine Gluconate
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC Directory| Ingredient | Strength | RxCUI | Monograph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorhexidine Gluconate | 1.2 mg/mL | 1667684 | View |
Forms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Decreased Cell Wall Integrity [PE] | PE | All 26 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 077789-001 | CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE | SOLUTION | CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE | Prescription | AT |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat 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| 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 LabelingReproduced 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.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug LabelingINDICATIONS 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 LabelingDOSAGE 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 LabelingContrainidcations 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 LabelingWarnings 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
openFDA Drug LabelingWARNINGS: 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 LabelingADVERSE 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 LabelingDESCRIPTION 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
openFDA Drug LabelingOVERDOSAGE 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 LabelingHOW 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 FAERSAttributed 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| Classification | Reported | Firm | Reason | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class II | July 12, 2017 | Xttrium Laboratories Inc | CGMP Deviations | Terminated |
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| 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
| 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.