Chlorhexidine
Agent Name
Chlorhexidine
CAS Number
55-56-1
Formula
C22-H30-Cl2-N10
Major Category
Other Uses
Synonyms
1,1'-Hexamethylenebis(5-(p-chlorophenyl)biguanide); 1,6-Bis(5-(p-chlorophenyl)biguandino)hexane; 1,6-Bis(p-chlorophenyldiguanido)hexane; 1,6-Di(4'-chlorophenyldiguanido)hexane; 2,4,11,13-Tetraazatetradecanediimidamide, N,N''-bis(4-; chlorophenyl)-3,12-diimino-; Chlorhexidin [Czech]; Chlorhexidine; Chlorhexidinum [INN-Latin]; Cloresidina [DCIT]; Clorhexidina [INN-Spanish]; Fimeil; Hexadol; Nolvasan; Rotersept; Soretol; Sterilon; Tubulicid; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Biocides/Disinfectants
Description
Crystals from methanol; [HSDB]
Sources/Uses
Chlorhexidine is used in antibacterial soaps and cleansers. [Marks, p. 228-9]
Comments
Chlorhexidine is rarely sensitizing. In one series, 0.1% of photosensitive patients had positive photo patch tests results for chlorhexidine. The 1% concentration may cause irritant effects. [Marks, p. 228-9] Immunologic contact urticaria has been reported; [Kanerva, p. 219] Occupational asthma reported in two nurses; [Malo]
Biomedical References
Adverse Effects
Skin Sensitizer
Yes
Asthma
Yes
Dermatotoxin
PACD (photoallergic contact dermatitis)
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: