Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution
| Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary |
The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
| 1. Why am I using Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution? |
Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution contains the active ingredient chlorhexidine gluconate.
Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution is used for cleansing and irrigating the skin or wounds, or to prepare your body before using a special tube to drain the bladder (catheter). For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution? in the full CMI.
| 2. What should I know before I use Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution? |
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution? in the full CMI.
| 3. What if I am taking other medicines? |
Some medicines may interfere with Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution and affect how it works.
A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.
| 4. How Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution is used? |
Your doctor or nurse will normally use the irrigation solution to wash and clean your skin or wounds, or to clean your genital area before a special tube called a catheter is used to drain your bladder. It is for external use only and should not be injected or swallowed. It should not be used in the eyes or ears or as enema.
More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution? in the full CMI.
| 5. What should I know while using Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution? |
| Things you should do |
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| Looking after your medicine |
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For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution? in the full CMI.
| 6. Are there any side effects? |
For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.
Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution
Active ingredient(s): chlorhexidine gluconate
| Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) |
This leaflet provides important information about using Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I using Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution?
2. What should I know before I use Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution is used?
5. What should I know while using Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details
| 1. Why am I using Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution? |
Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution contains the active ingredient chlorhexidine gluconate. Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution is an antiseptic that will help prevent infection.
Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution is used for cleansing and irrigating the skin or wounds, or to prepare your body before using a special tube to drain the bladder (catheter).
| 2. What should I know before I use Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution? |
Warnings
Do not use Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution:
- if you are allergic to chlorhexidine, or to any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine. - to irrigate eyes or ears, or as enema.
- as skin preparation for face or head before operation.
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?
| 3. What if I am taking other medicines? |
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution.
| 4. How Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution is used? |
How much to use
Your doctor or nurse will decide how much of the irrigation solution to use which will be sufficient for your needs.
As the irrigation solution is sterile, your doctor or nurse will use a new solution each time.
How to use Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution
- Your doctor or nurse will normally use the irrigation solution to wash and clean your skin or wounds, or to clean your genital area before a special tube called a catheter is used to drain your bladder.
- It is for external irrigation use only and should not be injected or swallowed.
- It should not be used in the eyes or ears.
- 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.
If you use too much Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution
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.
If you think that someone may have swallowed Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution or if it has been put into the eyes or ears, you should immediately:
- phone the Poisons Information Centre
(by calling 13 11 26), or - contact your doctor, or
- go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
| 5. What should I know while using Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution? |
Things you should do
- If you are given this product to use at home, it must be used as directed by your doctor or nurse.
- Discard any unused portion. Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution is for single use only.
Call your doctor straight away if you:
- Develop any allergic or hypersensitivity reactions or anaphylaxis to Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution.
Things you should not do
- Do not use in the eyes or ears or as enema.
- Do not swallow or inject into your body.
Looking after your medicine
- Store below 25°C and protect from light.
Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it:
- in the bathroom or near a sink, or
- in the car or on window sills.
Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
| 6. Are there any side effects? |
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.
Less serious side effects
| Less serious side effects | What to do |
| Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you. |
Serious side effects
| Serious side effects | What to do |
| Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects. |
Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell during or after Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution has been used.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.
| 7. Product details |
What Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution contains
| Active ingredient (main ingredient) |
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| Other ingredients (inactive ingredients) |
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Tell your doctor or nurse if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution looks like
Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution is a sterile, blue solution and comes in a 30 mL plastic ampoule in packs of 30 units.
Chlorhexidine 0.1% Irrigation Solution ampoule (AUST R 11175)
Chlorhexidine 0.2% Catheter Preparation Irrigation Solution ampoules (AUST R 11324)
* Not all presentations may be marketed.
Who distributes Chlorhexidine Irrigation Solution
Bridgewest Perth Pharma Pty Ltd
15 Brodie Hall Drive
Bentley WA 6102
Telephone: 1800 161 156
safety@lumacina.com
This leaflet was prepared in September 2023.
Published by MIMS November 2023