Calgon Vesta

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Chlorhexidine rinse falls into category B.  There are no well-done studies that have been done in humans with Chlorhexidine. In animal studies, pregnant animals were given this medication, and the babies did not show any medical issues related to this medication.

Chlorhexidine chip falls into category C. There are no well-controlled studies that have been done in pregnant women. Chlorhexidine chip should be used during pregnancy only if the possible benefit outweighs the possible risk to the unborn baby.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

It is not known if chlorhexidine crosses into human milk. Because many medications can cross into human milk and because of the possibility for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants with use of this medication, a choice should be made whether to stop nursing or stop the use of this medication. Your doctor and you will decide if the benefits outweigh the risk of using chlorhexidine.

Take chlorhexidine exactly as prescribed.

Chlorhexidine comes in a oral rinse and a dental chip. Recommended use for oral solution is twice daily oral rinsing for 30 seconds, morning and evening after toothbrushing. Chlorhexidine rinse should not be swallowed, and should be spit out after use. Do not rinse with water or other mouthwashes immediately after rinsing with chlorhexidine. Do not brush teeth or eat immediately after rinsing with chlorhexidine.

The dental chip is inserted by your dentist into the gum pocket at most once every three months. Patients should avoid dental floss at the site of chip insertion for 10 days after placement, because flossing might dislodge the chip. All other oral hygiene may be continued as usual. There are no restrictions in regards to eating. Notify your dentisit as soon as possible if the chip falls out of place.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses of chlorhexidine at the same time.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.

The recommended dose of chlorhexidine rinse for the treatment of treat gingivitis, redness and swelling of gums, and to control gum bleeding is 15ml (marked in cap) twice a day.

The recommended dose of chlorhexidine dental chip for the treatment of treat gingivitis, redness and swelling of gums, and to control gum bleeding is 2.5 mg chip every 3 months.

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F ).

Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children.

An overdose of chlorhexidine topical is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, ears, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina. If this does happen, rinse with water.

Avoid using other medicines on the areas you treat with chlorhexidine topical unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid getting this medicine on your clothing or other fabrics. Do not use bleach to wash any fabric exposed to chlorhexidine or the medicine may cause a permanent stain.

Applies to chlorhexidine topical: topical application cream, topical application dressing, topical application gel/jelly, topical application liquid, topical application lotion, topical application pad, topical application solution, topical application sponge

Other dosage forms:

• oral liquid, oral solution

Along with its needed effects, chlorhexidine topical (the active ingredient contained in Calgon Vesta) 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 while taking chlorhexidine topical:

• Blistering, burning, itching, peeling, skin rash, redness, swelling, or other signs of irritation on the skin
• swelling of the face, hands, or feet
• trouble breathing