Spectrum-4

Chlorhexidine is a prescription medication used to treat gingivitis, redness and swelling of gums, and to control gum bleeding. It is also used to help treat peridontitis, or gum disease. This medication belongs to a group of drugs called antimicrobials. It works by reducing bacteria in the mouth.

Chlorhexidine comes as an oral rinse. Use chlorhexidine rinse regularly, as directed by your dentist, in addition to daily brushing. Spit out after use. Chlorhexidine rinse should not be swallowed. Do not rinse with water or other mouthwashes immediately after rinsing with chlorhexidine.

Chlorhexidine also comes as a dental chip. It is inserted by your dentinst into the gum pocket at most once every three months.

Common side effects of the rinse include tooth discoloration, tartar buildup, and altered taste.

Common side effects of the chip include toothache, headache, and upper airway infection.

Common side effects of the rinse include tooth discoloration, tartar buildup, and altered taste.

Common side effects of the chip include toothache, headache, and upper airway infection.

This is not a complete list of chlorhexidine side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

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

Serious side effects have been reported with chlorhexidine including the following:

• Allergic symptoms. Tell your health care provider right away if you have some or all of the following symptoms of allergic symptoms.
  • skin rash
  • itch
  • generalized swelling
  • breathing difficulties
  • light headedness
  • rapid heart rate
  • upset stomach
  • diarrhea
• Pain or swelling. Notify your dentist promptly if pain, swelling, or other problems occur. (Some mild to moderate sensitivity is normal during the first week after placement of chip)

Do not use chlorhexidine if you have a known to be hypersensitive to chlorhexidine gluconate or other formula ingredients.

Before taking chlorhexidine, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions. Especially tell your doctor if you:

• are allergic to chlorhexidine or to any of its ingredients

• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

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.

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

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

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 Spectrum-4) 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