Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) belongs to a class of medications called topical antiseptics.  Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) is a prescription mouth rinse that reduces the redness, swelling and bleeding of gums caused by moderate-to-severe gingivitis.

Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate), when used as an oral mouth rinse, kills the bacteria in the mouth and restores the gums to their health condition. Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) continues to work even after rinsing because one third of its active ingredient - chlorhexidine gluconate - binds to oral surfaces and is slowly released into oral fluids.

Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) is the only Chlorhexidine gluconate mouth rinse to have received the ADA seal of recognition.

Why Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) May Be Prescribed

Although the primary use of Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) is for the treatment of moderate-to-severe gingivitis, your dentist may have suggested Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) for other oral conditions.  If you have not discussed this with your dentist or are not sure why you are being given Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) oral rinse, speak to your dentist. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your dentist.

Form(s) does Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) Oral Rinse

Peridex contains 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: water, alcohol, glycerine, PEG-40 sorbitan diisostearate, flavour, saccharin sodium, and FD&C Blue No. 1 Dye.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Benefits of Using Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) Oral Rinse

• Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) has anti-microbial properties that can help fight gingivitis and bad breath.
• Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) can assist in the healing of swollen, bleeding or irritated gums.
• Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) can assist in fight against periodontal diseases caused by bacteria.

People Who should NOT take Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) Oral Rinse

Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) should not be used by anyone who is allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate or to any of the ingredients of Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate).

How Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) Oral Rinse is Used

The typical dose of Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) oral rinse is 15 mL of solution for 30 seconds, twice a day. Use after brushing your teeth. The solution should be swished through the mouth then spit out. Do not swallow. You should use a syringe or medication measuring cup to measure the right amount of the rinse. You should not rinse your mouth, eat, or brush teeth for 30 minutes after rinsing with Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) oral rinse.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your dentist has recommended a Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) without consulting your dentist.

If you miss a Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) dose, use the Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) oral rinse as soon as possible and continue with your regular Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) rinse schedule. If it is almost time for your next Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate)  dosing schedule. Do not rinse with a double dose of Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) to make up for a missed dose. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose of Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate), contact your dentist or pharmacist for advice.

Store Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) oral rinse at room temperature, protect it from light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) oral rinse down the sink or in the toilet or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) oral rinse if it is no longer needed or if the Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) oral rinse has expired.

Possible Side Effects of Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) Oral Rinse Use

Many medications can cause side effects (an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses). Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who uses Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) oral rinse. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your dentist.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate). Many of these side effects associated with Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) oral rinse use can be managed and may go away on their own over time.

• change in taste while using the medication
• inflammation of salivary glands
• irritation of the gums and other areas in the mouth
• shedding of skin from mouth
• staining of teeth, dentures, fillings

Contact your dentist if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome while using Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) oral rinse. Your dentist and/or pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects that may be associated with Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) oral rinse use.

Stop using Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) oral rinse and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur: signs of an allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing, hives, rash, swelling of the face or throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed when using Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) oral rinse. If this is the case, discuss all side effects with your dentist and/or pharmacist.

Precautions for Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) Oral Rinse

Before you begin using Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) oral rinse, be sure to inform your dentist of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Gingivitis and periodontitis: People who have both gingivitis and periodontitis need to know that clearing up the inflammation of the gums from gingivitis may not be an indicator that the periodontitis has also been cleared up. You should continue your periodontitis treatment as prescribed by your dentist.

Staining of teeth: Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) oral rinse oral rinse can cause staining of the surface of teeth, fillings, and the tongue if used for a long time or in people who may have higher amounts of plaque. The staining does not affect the teeth and can be removed from most tooth surfaces by your dentist. People who have exposed root surfaces or fillings in the front teeth with rough surfaces may have permanent staining as it is more difficult to remove stains from these areas.

Taste changes: Some people using Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) oral rinse may find a change in taste. In rare cases this may become permanent.

Pregnancy: It is not known if Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) oral rinse passes from mother to fetus during pregnancy. Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) oral rinse should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) oral rinse, contact your dentist immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) oral rinse passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your dentist about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) oral rinse have not been established for children.

Possible Drug Interactions with Peridex Oral Rinse

It is important that you always inform your dentist and pharmacist of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter (non-prescription) supplements, and herbal medications that you are taking so they may evaluated for possible interactions with the Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate) oral rinse and all other medicines, over-the-counter products  and supplements that you may be taken. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Depending on your specific circumstances, your dentist may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking any or all of the medications, or
• do nothing.

About Jeff Behar

Jeff Behar, MS, MBA