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Chlorhexidine

Chlorhexidine Side Effects

Ally Tsai, PharmDKristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Reviewed by Ally Tsai, PharmD, Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 21, 2023

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Staining of teeth, fillings, and tongue
  • Hardening of dental plaque (tartar)
  • Changes in taste

Less Common Side Effects

  • Canker sore
  • Mouth irritations (redness, swelling)
  • Peeling of mouth tissue
  • Red patches on the tongue

Chlorhexidine serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Severe allergic reactions: rash or hives, swelling of your face or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
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When do Chlorhexidine possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
M
H
D
W
M
Staining of teeth, fillings, and tongue
Hardening of dental plaque
Changes in taste
Severe allergic reactions
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

The following Chlorhexidine side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Bleeding, tender, or enlarged gums

cough, congestion or tightness in chest, or wheezing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Tooth, gum, or mouth pain, tenderness, aching, throbbing, soreness, discomfort, or sensitivity (mild to moderate)

Less common

Indigestion or upset stomach

sore throat

ulcers or sores in the mouth

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Why trust our experts?

Ally Tsai, PharmD
Reviewed by:
Ally Tsai, PharmD
Ally Tsai, PharmD, is a medication therapy management (MTM) pharmacist with 6 years of experience. As an MTM pharmacist, she helps people with complex medication regimens get the best results by conducting comprehensive medication reviews.
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD, is a licensed pharmacist in California. She has been a retail pharmacy manager and staff pharmacist for over 7 years and has contributed drug information content to different health companies.

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