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Compare Chlorhexidine vs. Hibiclens

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Chlorhexidine (Peridex) and chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) are both antiseptic medications used to kill germs, but they are used for different purposes. Chlorhexidine (Peridex) is a prescription mouthwash used to treat gingivitis, a gum inflammation, by preventing dental plaque. You typically rinse with it twice a day after brushing your teeth. On the other hand, chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) is an over-the-counter skin cleanser used to prevent skin infections, prepare skin for surgery, and for hand washing in healthcare settings. It comes in forms like solutions, gels, and cloths. While both medications can cause allergic reactions, chlorhexidine (Peridex) can stain your teeth and change your taste, whereas chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) might cause skin irritation if used on sensitive areas. Chlorhexidine (Peridex) is available as a lower-cost generic, but you need a prescription, while chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) is available over the counter.

  • Chlorhexidine (Peridex)
    Hibiclens (chlorhexidine)
  • Chlorhexidine (Peridex)
    Hibiclens (chlorhexidine)

  • Summary of Chlorhexidine vs. Hibiclens

    Summary for Antiseptic
    Prescription only

    Chlorhexidine (Peridex) is an antiseptic mouthwash that's used to treat gingivitis (gum inflammation) in adults. Your dentist might prescribed it for you after a dental checkup if they think you need it. Typically, you rinse with chlorhexidine (Peridex) by mouth twice daily after you've brushed your teeth. Some common side effects of chlorhexidine (Peridex) include staining of the teeth, changes in taste, and hardening of dental tartar.

    Summary for Antiseptic

    Hibiclens (chlorhexidine gluconate) is an over-the-counter, antiseptic product that's used to clean the skin. It helps prevent skin infections by killing germs; it doesn't treat skin infections that you already have. Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) is available as solutions (soaps), gels, and cloths that are used on the skin of adults and children. Side effects aren't common, but can sometimes include skin irritation.

  • Indications of Chlorhexidine vs. Hibiclens

    Indications for
    •Gingivitis
    Indications for
    •General skin cleansing
    •Skin wound cleansing
    •Skin cleansing to prepare for surgery
    •Hand washing and scrubbing for healthcare staff

  • Pros and Cons of Chlorhexidine vs. Hibiclens

    Pros and Const for Antiseptic
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •No significant interactions with other medications or supplements
    •Might work well for people who didn’t see benefits with other mouthwashes for gingivitis
    •Helps to prevent dental plaque
    Cons
    •Available by prescription only
    •Can stain your teeth or change your taste buds
    •Might not be safe or effective for children
    •Short-term use only
    Pros and Const for Antiseptic
    Pros
    •Prevents infections on the skin
    •Prevents spread of infection in healthcare settings
    •Available over the counter
    Cons
    •Not recommended for repeated use over large body areas or on deep wounds
    •Doesn't treat infections that you already have
    •Risk of irritation or chemical burn if used on infants under 2 months of age or premature babies

  • Common Side Effects of Chlorhexidine vs. Hibiclens

    Common Side Effects for
    •Staining of teeth, fillings, and tongue
    •Hardening of dental plaque (tartar)
    •Changes in taste
    Common Side Effects for
    •Side effects aren't common. See Risks and Warnings.

  • Warnings of Chlorhexidine vs. Hibiclens

    Common Side Effects for
    •Teeth staining
    •Change in taste
    •Plaque build-up
    •Allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions
    •Use only on appropriate parts of the skin

  • Prices with our coupons for Chlorhexidine vs. Hibiclens

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    Learn more about Hibiclens

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