Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Cetrimide, Chlorhexidine acetate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What you need to know before you take it
e Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution Your doctor will not use Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution: 1
Warnings and precautions
- Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution may in rare cases cause severe allergic reactions, leading to a drop in blood pressure and even to unconsciousness, which can be fatal. Early symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may be skin rash or asthma. If you notice these symptoms, stop using Chlorhexidine for Irrigation and contact your doctor as soon as possible (see under section 4: "Possible side effects").
- Use with care when this medicine is used to clean the skin, before an operation for your face or head
- Chlorhexidine must not come into contact with the eye due to the risk of visual damage. If it comes into contact with the eyes, wash out immediately and thoroughly with water. In case of any irritation, redness or pain in the eye, or visual disturbance, ask for medical advice promptly. Serious cases of persistent corneal injury (injury to the surface of the eye) potentially requiring corneal transplant have been reported when similar products have accidentally come in contact with the eye during surgical procedures, in patients under general anaesthesia (deep painless sleep). TH-30-02-242
Children
- Use with care in newborn babies, especially those born prematurely. Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution may cause chemical skin burns. Your doctor will not use Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution if any of the above apply.
Your doctor will decide how much you will need and for how long it will be used. Your age, weight and clinical condition will be taken into account.
If you are not sure talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before using Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution.
If you have more Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution than you should
The solution must be used undiluted and is for topical application. This means that it is for cleaning (irrigation) of your skin outside of your body.
It is unlikely that you will have or use more Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution than you should.
Your doctor will take special care when giving you Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution. If you have had a reaction to any of the ingredients.
If you accidentally swallow Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution If Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution is accidentally swallowed, seek medical assistance.
This solution is not for intravenous administration and must not be taken orally. Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution contains:
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
- Sunset yellow (E110) may cause allergic reactions. Other medicines and Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution
How to take it
Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution may be used by a doctor or nurse, or you may use the solution yourself. Only use if the solution is clear and the seal is intact. Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. The usual dose
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Very occasionally the following may be seen:
- low blood pressure (hypotension)
- tingling sensations In your skin (paraesthesia)
- difficulty breathing
- increased heart rate
- cold sweats
- reddening or itching of your skin
- loss of consciousness.
- pain
- blood in your urine or an increased urge to urinate.
- rash
- coughing or wheezing (Bronchospasm) TH-30-02-242
- heart stops pumping (cardiac arrest)
- blood vessels stop working properly (circulatory collapse)
- shock
- Corneal injury (injury to the surface of the eye), and permanent eye damage including permanent visual impairment (following accidental ocular exposure during head, face and neck surgical procedures) in patients under general anaesthesia (deep painless sleep)
Possible side effects
Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines you obtained without a prescription.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following side effects may happen with this medicine.
The following may affect the way Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution works:
- alkaline pH, organic matter
- detergents (soaps) or blood. Chlorhexidine for Irrigation will not work properly if it come into contact with these
- tannins (from some plants).
If you experience any of the following reactions stop using Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution and get immediate medical help: swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat; a red itchy skin rash; wheezing or difficulty breathing; feeling faint and dizzy; a strange metallic taste in the mouth; collapse. You may be having an allergic reaction. Fatal anaphylactic reaction has been reported.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding and fertility If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine. They will advise if you can have this treatment.
Other possible side effects
- Corneal injury (injury to the surface of the eye), and permanent eye damage including permanent visual impairment (following accidental ocular exposure during head, face and neck surgical procedures) in patients under general anaesthesia (deep painless sleep)
Driving and using machines Chlorhexidine for Irrigation has little or no affect on your ability to drive or use machines. Please tell your doctor and they will advise you if you can drive or use machines.
How to store it
Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution
Send all enquiries to this address.
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
This leaflet was last revised in August 2024
Make sure that the product is stored and disposed of correctly and not used after the expiry date stated on the product. The storage conditions, should you need them, are given below.
- Do not store above 25 ̊C and protect from light
- Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label after EXPIRY. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
- Do not use this medicine if the container is damaged or the solution is not clear.
- Once opened: use immediately. The solution should only be used once. Any leftover solution should be discarded. Do not throw away any medicine via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.
For information about Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution or to request this leaflet in formats such as audio or large print please contact the Marketing Authorisation Holder: Tel: +44(0)1635 206345.
Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution is made at the above address.
Baxter is a trademark of Baxter International Inc.
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Contents of the pack and other information
This leaflet does not contain all the information about this medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. What Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution contains The active substances are chlorhexidine acetate 0.15 g and cetrimide 1.5 g in each 1000 ml.
Additional side effects in children
- Chemical burns
The other ingredients are Sunset yellow (E110) 8.0 mg in each 1000 ml, acetic acid and sterile water (called 'water for injections').
If you develop a rash or your skin becomes itchy, red, dry or inflamed where you have used the product as a skin wash, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
What Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide Irrigation Solution looks like and contents of the pack It is supplied as a clear, yellow solution for irrigation in a 500 ml or 1000 ml plastic bottle.
Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system listed below . By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer The Marketing Authorisation Holder is Baxter Healthcare Ltd Caxton Way Thetford Norfolk IP24 3SE United Kingdom
United Kingdom: Via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
Frequently asked questions about Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution
How do I take Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution?
Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution comes as solution. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
What is the active substance in Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution?
The active substance in Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution is cetrimide, chlorhexidine acetate.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: cetrimide, chlorhexidine acetate
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution is for general topical use, combining antibacterial activity against a wide range of vegetative gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria with useful cleansing properties.
The solution is recommended for the cleansing and disinfection of wounds and the antiseptic treatment of burns.
Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution is recommended for swabbing in obstetrics, gynaecology and urology.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Dosage
Dosage and duration of administration are to be individualized and depend upon the indication for use, the patient's age, weight, clinical condition, and concomitant treatment, and on patient's clinical response to treatment (See Section 4.4 Chemical Burns in Neonates and Preoperative Skin Preparation).
Administration
Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution is for general topical use. This solution is used undiluted for topical application only. Not for intravenous or oral route of administration.
4.3. Contraindications
This solution should not be used in the eye, intravenously, orally, in the auditory canal (especially in perforated eardrums), or near meninges brain or spinal cord (See Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Use in patients with known hypersensitivity to Chlorhexidine or Cetrimide is contraindicated.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
The solution is not for intravenous administration. The solution shall not be taken orally.
Accidental ingestion should be treated with a stomach lavage consisting of milk, egg white, gelatin or mild soap.
Idiosyncratic reactions to Chlorhexidine Acetate BP and Cetrimide Ph.Eur. have been reported.
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, have been reported with chlorhexidine. Fatal anaphylactic reactions have been reported with other products containing chlorhexidine (See Section 4.8 Adverse Reactions).
If any signs or symptoms of a suspected hypersensitivity reaction develop, immediately stop use. Appropriate therapeutic countermeasures must be instituted as clinically indicated.
Chemical Burns in Neonates
The use of chlorhexidine solutions, both alcohol based and aqueous, for skin antisepsis prior to invasive procedures has been associated with skin reactions such as chemical burns in neonates. 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.
Remove any soaked materials, drapes or gowns before proceeding with the intervention. Do not use excessive quantities and do not allow the solution to pool in skin folds or under the patient or drip on sheets or other material in direct contact with the patient. Where occlusive dressings are to be applied to areas previously exposed to chlorhexidine, care must be taken to ensure no excess product is present prior to application of the dressing.
Preoperative Skin Preparation
Caution should be exercised when chlorhexidine is used in preoperative skin preparations for face or head (See Section 4.3 Contraindications).
Chlorhexidine must not come into contact with the eye. Serious cases of persistent corneal injury, potentially requiring corneal transplant, were reported following accidental ocular exposure to chlorhexidine containing medicinal products despite taking eye protective measures due to migration of solution beyond the intended surgical preparation area. Extreme care must be taken during application to ensure that chlorhexidine does not migrate beyond its intended application site into the eyes. Particular care should be taken in anesthetized patients, who are unable to immediately report ocular exposure. If chlorhexidine comes into contact with the eyes, wash out promptly and thoroughly with water. An ophthalmologist's advice should be sought.
Use in Pediatric Patients
The use of chlorhexidine solutions has been associated with skin reactions such as chemical burns in neonates (See Section 4.4 Warnings – Chemical Burns in Neonates).This product should only be used in specialist units familiar with the appropriate selection of patients.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
The action of chlorhexidine is reduced by alkaline pH, the presence of organic matter, anionic detergents and tannins. The effect of chlorhexidine will be inactivated on contact with soap or blood.
4.6. Pregnancy and lactation
Physicians should carefully consider the potential risks and benefit for each specific patient before prescribing chlorhexidine.
Chlorhexidine has been used in pregnant women and no harmful effects have been reported.
There are no adequate data to support the use of chlorhexidine in lactating women.
Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution is recommended for swabbing in obstetrics and gynaecology.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
There is no information of the effects of chlorhexidine on the ability to operate an automobile or other heavy machinery.
4.8. Undesirable effects
Immune system disorders:
Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions manifested by cardiac arrest, shock, circulatory collapse, hypotension, bronchospasm, tachycardia, rash, erythema and urticaria
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders:
Rash
Other Adverse Reactions(Class Reactions)
The adverse events reported and/or observed with other chlorhexidine products include:
Fatal anaphylactic reactions
Chemical burns in neonates (See Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Very occasionally the following reactions have been noted when chlorhexidine-containing irrigating solutions have been used intravesically, intravaginally or topically on traumatised skin: Hypotension, paraesthesia, dyspnoea, tachycardia, cold sweat, generalised erythema, urticaria and loss of consciousness. Other effects that have been noted include pain, haematuria and/or increased urge to urinate.
Idiosyncratic reactions to chlorhexidine acetate have been reported and are well documented.
Eye Disorder: Frequency not known: Corneal erosion, corneal epithelium defect/ injury corneal, visual impairment*
*Cases of severe corneal erosion and permanent significant visual impairment due to inadvertent ocular exposure have been reported post-marketing, leading to some patients requiring corneal transplant (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme.
Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
4.9. Overdose
Overdose of chlorhexidine may constitute a medical emergency. In case of accidental overdose seek immediate medical attention
Not applicable if the solution is used appropriately.
Chlorhexidine is poorly absorbed by the gastro-intestinal. In case of accidental oral intake, perform gastric lavage and/or wash out the stomach with milk, egg white, gelatine or a mild soap.
🇷🇴 Known in Romania as
Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca
⚠ Not the same combination. This medicine contains Cetrimide, Chlorhexidine acetate. The products below do not contain exactly the same set of active substances — they are not direct substitutes.
- CORSODYL MINT MOUTHWASH 2 mg/ml over the counter partial — not the same combinationCHLORHEXIDINUM · taken by mouth
Some of these do not contain exactly the same active substances — check each one. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Chlorhexidine Acetate 0.015% w/v and Cetrimide 0.15% w/v, Irrigation Solution. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.