Chlorhexidine

Chlorhexidine is a broad-spectrum antiseptic that disrupts microbial cell membranes. It is used on skin, in oral rinses, and to disinfect medical equipment.

Cationic surfactant: A surface-active molecule whose hydrophilic group carries a positive charge. Chlorhexidine's positive charge helps it bind to negatively charged microbial surfaces.
Chlorhexidine mouthwash: An oral rinse containing chlorhexidine, commonly prescribed to reduce dental plaque and gingival inflammation. This formulation uses chlorhexidine's persistence on oral surfaces to suppress plaque-forming microbes.
Biguanide: An organic functional group containing two imine groups linked through a carbon atom. Chlorhexidine contains two biguanide groups that contribute to its cationic character.
Povidone-iodine: An iodine-releasing antiseptic complex used on skin and mucous membranes. It offers a broad-spectrum alternative, with different persistence and material-compatibility considerations.
Tooth staining: Discoloration of tooth surfaces caused by pigments binding to enamel or dental deposits. Repeated chlorhexidine mouthwash use can cause brown staining of teeth and restorations.
Bacterial cell membrane: A selectively permeable lipid bilayer that encloses a bacterial cell. Chlorhexidine damages this barrier, causing leakage of cellular contents.
Chlorhexidine gluconate: A water-soluble salt of chlorhexidine used in many antiseptic solutions. The gluconate salt is a common ingredient in mouth rinses and skin preparations.
Bisbiguanide: A compound containing two biguanide groups, often joined by a spacer. Chlorhexidine is a bisbiguanide, the structural family that includes several antiseptics.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer: A hand antiseptic whose active ingredients are alcohols such as ethanol or isopropanol. Alcohol acts rapidly but lacks chlorhexidine's comparable residual binding to skin.
Taste disorder: An alteration or loss of the sense of taste. Oral chlorhexidine can temporarily alter taste, especially during or after treatment.

Linked from 13 pages