Chlorhexidine in suppositories and solutions during pregnancy: gargling, syringing

Chlorhexidine bigluconate is an antibacterial preparation that is capable of antiseptic effects on various pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungus). Chlorhexidine in pregnancy, like other drugs, is used with some limitations.

Indications of the chlorhexidine in pregnancy

In pregnancy, chlorhexidine may have such indications for use:

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

During use during pregnancy, the antiseptic is not absorbed by the gastrointestinal mucosa and does not enter the blood, so the risk of developing fetal pathologies due to taking this medication is minimal. Chlorhexidine in the early stages of pregnancy is not able to harm the fetus and the expectant mother. However, according to the instructions, do not spend a long course of treatment with this antiseptic.

[1], [2], [3]

Release form

This antiseptic has several forms of release:

• solution for external use (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 5 and 20 percent solutions are released; chlorhexidine solution in pregnancy is used to treat a wide range of pathologies);
• candles (chlorhexidine in pregnancy in the form of suppositories used intravaginally for the treatment of inflammation, venereal and fungal diseases, the most famous drug is the hexicon in candles);
• gel;
• ointment;
• plasters on its basis.

[4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9]

Pharmacodynamics

The drug was developed by physicians in the 20 century for outdoor use. Among the pharmacological properties of this drug:

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

[10], [11], [12], [13]

Pharmacokinetics

This antiseptic does not affect the acid-fast kinds of gram-negative bacteria, and also has a reduced effect in a purulent environment.

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

[14], [15], [16], [17]

Dosing and administration

In pregnancy, the route of administration and dose of Chlorhexidine should be discussed with the doctor.

It should be noted that any application of Chlorhexidine, except for the external one, is strictly prohibited.

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

With pain in the throat, rinse the throat with chlorhexidine in pregnancy.

Usually the rinse aid is not diluted. During gestation, there is no special restriction on the use of chlorhexidine for the treatment of ENT organs, so you do not have to wonder how to dilute chlorhexidine for gargling during pregnancy. Before rinsing the antiseptic, rinse with clean and warm plain water, and then rinse the throat with Chlorhexidine for a minute. This procedure should be repeated up to five times a day.

In rhinitis, with the exception of the acute form, it is allowed to water the nose. First, you should clean your nose with saline, remove swelling with vasoconstrictor, then you can use chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine in the nose during pregnancy is not able to do more harm with irrigation of the nose than in another period.

In the usual dosage, a preparation can be used to treat wounds and other skin lesions.

[24], [25]

Contraindications

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

Also during the gestation period it is forbidden to do syringing - to replace this method, you should use a suppository for intravaginal application or tampons for treatment. It should be noted that the douching method uses chlorhexidine from an unwanted pregnancy, but this method is absolutely inefficient due to the high activity of spermatozoa.

Do not use chlorhexidine after violation of storage conditions (temperature more than 25 degrees) and after expiry date.

[18], [19], [20]

Side effects of the chlorhexidine in pregnancy

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

[21], [22], [23]

Overdose

Overdosing of antiseptic is impossible. If swallowed, rinse the stomach and perform symptomatic treatment.

[26], [27], [28], [29], [30]

Interactions with other drugs

With simultaneous use with alkalis, such as soap, the activity of chlorhexidine is completely neutralized.

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

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

[31], [32], [33], [34], [35]