Chlorhexidine Gluconate Handrub Adco 0,5 % Solution

CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE HANDRUB ADCO contains chlorhexidine gluconate as the active substance. It belongs to a group of medicines called antiseptics and disinfectants. CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE HANDRUB ADCO is used as for general disinfection of hands and disinfection of surgeon’s hands prior to performing surgery.

Do not use CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE HANDRUB ADCO:

• If you are hypersensitive (allergic) to chlorhexidine gluconate or any of the other ingredients of CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE HANDRUB ADCO (listed in section 6).
• If the solution comes in contact with the eyes, they should be washed promptly and thoroughly with water.

Warnings and precautions

Special care should be taken with CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE HANDRUB ADCO:

• For external use only.
• The solution is not to be taken orally.
• The solution is flammable.
• If you accidentally ingest CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE HANDRUB ADCO, you need to contact your doctor immediately.
• If you have a history of an allergic reaction to a chlorhexidine-containing compound.
• When used in preoperative skin preparations for the face or head.

Neonates and Paediatric Patients

Special care should be taken with chlorhexidine solutions for skin antisepsis prior to invasive procedures in neonates due to the potential to cause skin reactions such as chemical burns. This risk appears to be higher in preterm infants, especially those born before 32 weeks of gestation and within the first 2 weeks of life.

Other medicines and CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE HANDRUB ADCO

Always tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicine. (This includes complementary or traditional medicines.)

Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other health care provider for advice before using this medicine. No effects during pregnancy and breastfeeding are anticipated, since CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE HANDRUB ADCO is used topically. The effects of chlorhexidine gluconate on human reproduction have not been studied.

Driving and using machines

CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE HANDRUB ADCO has no influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

Do not share medicines prescribed for you with any other person. Always use CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE HANDRUB ADCO exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor, pharmacist, nurse has told you. Check with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are not sure.

CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE HANDRUB ADCO should only be used externally after washing hands. For hand disinfection use approximately 2 ½ ml CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE HANDRUB ADCO and rub well into hands until dry. For pre-operative preparations use approximately 5 ml CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE HANDRUB ADCO and rub well into hands and forearms until dry, use sterile nail brush for fingernails. Repeat process.

CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE HANDRUB ADCO can have side effects. Not all side effects reported for CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE HANDRUB ADCO are included in this leaflet. Should you experience any untoward effects while taking CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE HANDRUB ADCO, please consult your health care provider for advice.

If any of the following happens, stop using CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE HANDRUB ADCO and tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital:

• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips and mouth or throat, which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing,
• rash or itching,
• fainting.

These are all very serious side effects. If you have them, you may have had a serious reaction to CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE HANDRUB ADCO. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.

Tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of the following:

• chest pain
• changes in the way your heart beats, for example, if you notice it beating faster,
• difficulty breathing,
• chemical burns in neonates.

These are all serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention. If you notice any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.

Store at or below 25 °C. Keep all medicines out of reach of children. Protect from heat and light and keep away from flames.