Chlorhexidine in suppositories and solution in pregnancy: throat gargle, spritzing

Chlorhexidine bigluconate is an antibacterial drug capable of exerting an antiseptic effect on various pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi). Chlorhexidine during pregnancy, like other drugs, is used with some restrictions.

Indications chlorhexidine in pregnancy

During pregnancy, chlorhexidine may have the following indications for use:

• prevention and treatment of venereal diseases (chlorhexidine is widely used during pregnancy for thrush, ureaplasmosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes and others), as well as for inflammation of the genitals
• treatment of skin in case of damage, mucous membranes, in particular before examination by a specialist
• antiseptic effect on the oral cavity and nasopharynx in ENT pathologies (chlorhexidine is often prescribed for sore throat during pregnancy to provide a bactericidal effect)
• for dental treatment of the oral cavity

When used during pregnancy, the antiseptic is not absorbed by the gastrointestinal mucosa and does not enter the bloodstream, so the risks of developing fetal pathologies due to taking this medication are minimal. Chlorhexidine in the early stages of pregnancy is not capable of harming the fetus and the expectant mother. However, according to the instructions, you should not conduct a long course of treatment with this antiseptic.

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Release form

This antiseptic is available in several forms:

• solution for external use (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 5 and 20 percent solutions are available; chlorhexidine solution is used during pregnancy to treat a wide range of pathologies);
• suppositories (chlorhexidine during pregnancy in the form of suppositories is used intravaginally to treat inflammation, venereal and fungal diseases; the most famous drug is Hexicon in suppositories);
• gel;
• ointment;
• patches based on it.

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Pharmacodynamics

The drug was developed by doctors in the 20th century for external use. Among the pharmacological properties of this drug:

• bactericidal activity applicable to bacterial and fungal infectious agents;
• cleansing and long-term disinfection of the skin without physical damage;
• cleaning and long-term disinfection of instruments for invasive interventions.

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Pharmacokinetics

This antiseptic does not affect acid-resistant types of gram-negative bacteria and also has a reduced effect in a purulent environment.

The drug is not absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. When ingested, it is excreted from the body through the intestines (one hundredth of the absorbed chlorhexidine is excreted through the kidneys).

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Dosing and administration

During pregnancy, the method of use and dosage of Chlorhexidine should be discussed with your doctor.

It should be noted that any use of Chlorhexidine other than external use is strictly prohibited.

Douching and washing with this antiseptic during pregnancy should be replaced by vaginal irrigation or gentle washing. This method is suitable for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases after unprotected intercourse or for the treatment of existing diseases. For irrigation or washing, dilute a 0.05% solution of the drug with sterile water in a ratio of 1:10 and use it up to three times a day. You can also use Hexicon suppositories (1-2 times a day for a week).

For sore throats, gargling with chlorhexidine is prescribed during pregnancy.

Usually, the preparation for gargling is not diluted. During gestation, there are no special restrictions in terms of using chlorhexidine to treat ENT organs, so you can not ask the question of how to dilute chlorhexidine for gargling during pregnancy. Before gargling with an antiseptic, rinse with clean and warm ordinary water, and then gargle with Chlorhexidine for a minute. This procedure should be repeated up to five times a day.

In case of rhinitis, except for the acute form, it is allowed to irrigate the nose. First, you should clean the nose with a saline solution, remove the swelling with vasoconstrictors, after which you can use chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine in the nose during pregnancy is not capable of causing more harm when irrigating the nose than at other times.

In normal dosage, the drug can be used to treat wounds and other skin lesions.

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Contraindications

During pregnancy, the only contraindication for the use of the drug is hypersensitivity to the substances in the medication.

Also, during the gestation period, it is forbidden to do douching - to replace this method, you should use suppositories for intravaginal use or tampons for treatment. It should be noted that chlorhexidine is used as a douching method for unwanted pregnancy, but this method is absolutely ineffective due to the high activity of spermatozoa.

Chlorhexidine should not be used after storage conditions have been violated (temperature above 25 degrees) and after the expiration date.

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Side effects chlorhexidine in pregnancy

In rare cases, after using Chlorhexidine, side effects such as swelling and stickiness of the mucous membranes and skin, burning and itching are observed. In such cases, you should contact a specialist.

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Overdose

An overdose of the antiseptic is impossible. If ingested, the stomach should be washed and symptomatic treatment should be administered.

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Interactions with other drugs

When used simultaneously with alkalis such as soap, the activity of chlorhexidine is completely neutralized.

When in contact with ethyl alcohol, the bactericidal effect becomes more effective.

It is prohibited to use the medication simultaneously with iodine-containing drugs to avoid inflammation of the skin.

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