Type of medicine: dental anti-infective
Generic and brand names: chlorhexidine gluconate, oral rinse; Peridex; PerioGard
This medicine is used as a mouth rinse to treat gingivitis (gum irritation, redness, and swelling). It may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant while taking this medicine. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Having your teeth thoroughly cleaned by your dentist before you start using the medicine may help prevent staining of your teeth by this medicine.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use this medicine exactly as directed. Do not use more or less or use it longer than prescribed. Do not stop using this medicine without your provider's approval.
Use this medicine after brushing and flossing your teeth. Use the cap on the original container to measure the dose. Use the medicine full strength. Do not mix it with water. Swish it around your mouth for at least 30 seconds before spitting it out. Do not swallow it. This medicine may have a bitter or metallic aftertaste. Rinsing will increase the bitterness and may decrease the effect of the medicine. Do not rinse with water or other mouthwashes, brush your teeth, or eat for 30 minutes after using this rinse. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, trouble walking, drowsiness.
If this medicine increases irritation of your gums or causes other irritation or swelling in your mouth, contact your healthcare provider or dentist.
Your healthcare provider will instruct you to have your teeth checked and cleaned at least every 6 months.
This medicine may stain the teeth and cause tartar to increase. Use a tartar-control toothpaste and floss your teeth daily to help reduce this tartar build-up and staining. The stains can be removed by a dentist when you have your teeth cleaned.
This medicine may change your sense of taste. This is not harmful. This effect usually goes away as you keep using the medicine.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider): Increased irritation, inflammation, or swelling in your mouth.
Other: Minor mouth irritation, heavy staining of teeth, increased plaque on teeth, change in sense of taste.
No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, do not use other mouthwashes unless your healthcare provider or dentist approves them.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
