Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic effective against a wide variety of gram-negative and gram-positive organisms. Target: Antibacterial Chlorhexidine is a chemical antiseptic.It is effective on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, although it is less effective with some Gram-negative bacteria.It has both bactericidal and bacteriostatic mechanisms of action, the mechanism of action being membrane disruption, not ATPase inactivation as previously thought.It is also useful against fungi and enveloped viruses, though this has not been extensively investigated. Chlorhexidine is harmful in high concentrations, but is used safely in low concentrations in many products, such as mouthwash and contact lens solutions [1, 2].

• [1]. Jenkins, S., M. Addy, and W. Wade, The mechanism of action of chlorhexidine. A study of plaque growth on enamel inserts in vivo. J Clin Periodontol, 1988. 15(7): p. 415-24.

  [2]. Maki, D.G., M. Ringer, and C.J. Alvarado, Prospective randomised trial of povidone-iodine, alcohol, and chlorhexidine for prevention of infection associated with central venous and arterial catheters. Lancet, 1991. 338(8763): p. 339-43.