Periogard, Chlorhexidine Gluconate

Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Scheffel, PharmD on May 7, 2023
Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD

This article describes chlorhexidine gluconate’s uses, side effects, and more. Below you’ll also find some coupon options to help save on the cost of the drug.

Chlorhexidine gluconate may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of chlorhexidine gluconate and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age and overall health and any other medications you take.

To learn more about chlorhexidine gluconate’s side effects, ask your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information* for chlorhexidine gluconate.

* To view chlorhexidine gluconate’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with chlorhexidine gluconate are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about chlorhexidine gluconate’s side effects, see the drug’s prescribing information.*

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse’s mild side effects include:

• changes in how things taste
• increase in staining of teeth and other surfaces in the mouth
• increase in tartar (hardened plaque)
• mouth irritation
• sore throat
• mild allergic reaction†

* To view chlorhexidine gluconate’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for chlorhexidine gluconate” section below.

Serious side effects

A serious side effect of chlorhexidine gluconate is given below. This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about chlorhexidine gluconate’s side effects, see the drug’s prescribing information.*

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor or dentist right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

A possible serious side effect of chlorhexidine gluconate is severe allergic reaction.†

* To view chlorhexidine gluconate’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for chlorhexidine gluconate” section below.

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about chlorhexidine gluconate.

Can chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse be used as a topical antiseptic?

No, chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse (a type of mouthwash) should not be used as a topical antiseptic. (An antiseptic is a substance that kills bacteria and other germs. Topical means it’s applied to the skin.)

Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse isn’t the same strength as the topical antiseptic form of the drug. The strength of chlorhexidine gluconate for use on the skin is stronger than the mouthwash.

If you need a skin antiseptic, ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend one for you. A topical form of chlorhexidine gluconate antiseptic is available over the counter. The oral rinse form is available by prescription only.

Is chlorhexidine gluconate similar to Betadine?

Yes, chlorhexidine gluconate is similar to Betadine. They’re both antiseptics, which are substances that can kill bacteria and other germs. Both drugs come in forms for use on the skin and as oral rinses (a type of mouthwash). But the two medications have different active drugs and uses. (An active drug is an ingredient that makes the drug work.)

Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse is a prescription mouthwash used for treating gingivitis (gum inflammation). This condition is also called gum disease. Betadine oral rinse is used for treating sore throats and preparing the mouth for dental procedures. Betadine’s active drug is povidone-iodine, and it’s available over the counter.

To learn more about how these antiseptics compare, talk with your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist.

How does chlorhexidine gluconate work? And how long does it take to start working?

The oral rinse form of chlorhexidine gluconate works to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth. (An oral rinse is a type of mouthwash.) It starts working as soon as you begin using it.

A buildup of bacteria on your teeth and gums can lead to gingivitis (gum inflammation). This condition is also called gum disease. By reducing bacterial growth, chlorhexidine gluconate helps treat the inflammation and relieves gingivitis symptoms, such as bleeding gums. It may take a couple of weeks of treatment for your symptoms to ease.

If you have questions about how chlorhexidine gluconate works, talk with your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist.

The dosage of chlorhexidine gluconate your doctor or dentist prescribes may vary based on your condition and certain other factors. They’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

Using chlorhexidine gluconate

Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse is a type of mouthwash. You’ll swish it in your mouth for 30 seconds and then spit it out. Do not rinse with water or other mouthwashes or eat for at least 30 minutes afterward.

Your doctor or dentist will explain how much chlorhexidine gluconate to use and how often. Always follow your doctor’s or dentist’s recommendation.

Overdose of chlorhexidine gluconate

You should not use more chlorhexidine gluconate than your doctor or dentist prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to serious side effects or overdose.

Do not swallow chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse. Swallowing it can cause serious side effects in small children.* If you have swallowed the drug or you think someone you care for has swallowed it, call your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

* Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse is not approved for use in children.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as chlorhexidine gluconate for certain conditions. An approved use for chlorhexidine gluconate is described below.

Use for gingivitis

Doctors and dentists may prescribe chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse (a type of mouthwash) for treating gingivitis. This condition is commonly called gum disease. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

With gingivitis, your gums are inflamed and irritated. They can be swollen and may also bleed easily. Gingivitis can cause your gums to recede (pull away from the tooth surface). Some people with gingivitis get breath odor as well. A buildup of plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) and tartar (hardened plaque) can cause gingivitis.

If you have questions about chlorhexidine gluconate treatment for gingivitis, talk with your doctor or dentist.

Chlorhexidine gluconate isn’t known to interact with any medications or supplements. (Interactions can affect how a drug works.) But this doesn’t mean drug interactions with chlorhexidine gluconate won’t happen or be reported sometime. For instance, medications created at a later time could interact with chlorhexidine gluconate.

Because of this, you should always inform your doctor, dentist, and pharmacist about any medications you’re taking. This includes over-the-counter as well as prescription drugs, vitamins, and supplements. They can check for possible interactions with chlorhexidine gluconate.

Warnings for chlorhexidine gluconate

Chlorhexidine gluconate should be used cautiously by certain people.

Chlorhexidine gluconate could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether chlorhexidine gluconate is a safe option for you.

Ask your doctor or dentist about specific warnings for chlorhexidine gluconate, and be sure to tell them about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Chlorhexidine gluconate can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to chlorhexidine gluconate or any of its ingredients, your doctor or dentist will likely not prescribe chlorhexidine gluconate. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to chlorhexidine gluconate, call your doctor or dentist right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and chlorhexidine gluconate

Information about chlorhexidine gluconate and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Chlorhexidine gluconate and pregnancy

In general, chlorhexidine gluconate is considered safe to use during pregnancy. That said, check with your doctor or dentist about whether they feel it’s safe for you specifically.

Chlorhexidine gluconate and breastfeeding

In general, chlorhexidine gluconate is considered safe to use while breastfeeding. That said, check with your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you specifically.

You may be able to save money on your prescription for chlorhexidine gluconate by using our Perks discount coupons. These can be found at the end of this article.

If you have questions about how to pay for chlorhexidine gluconate, talk with your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

This article describes chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. (An oral rinse is a type of mouthwash.) Let your doctor or dentist know if you have questions about chlorhexidine gluconate or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor or dentist:

• How long will I need to use chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse?
• Is chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse safe to use on crowns or veneers?
• Are there other medications you could prescribe to treat my condition?

• Chlorhexidine gluconate- chlorhexidine gluconate rinse. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/f3c3372a-c600-1eab-e053-2995a90a26f6/spl-doc
• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.