The world of medicine has progressed rapidly during the 21st century. The efforts, which involved years of detailed research, experimentation, and results were studied extensively in order to provide benefits to the human race. This allowed humans to outlive the inconveniences, known as diseases. These efforts have resulted in some very beneficial chemicals being available over the counter to all member of the population, based on their needs. There is a chemical formula available for nearly every minor problem occurring in the human body, which is packaged into bottles and sold to the masses.
One such famous chemical formula is known as Chlorhexidine. What is Chlorhexidine? Chlorhexidine is a chemical that is also known by the name of Chlorhexidine gluconate. Chlorhexidine was allowed to be used for medical purposes during the 1950s. According to the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines, it is one of the most effective medicines in the health system. It is also declared as one of the safest medicines in the health care industry because, as we know, not all medicines are perfectly safe to use. One of the most famous medicine brands to make use of this chemical is Hibiclens, which we will discuss in detail later. First, let us take a deeper look at some of the characteristics of this chemical.
Uses of Chlorhexidine
Available as an over the counter medicine, the primary use of Chlorhexidine is to act as a disinfectant and an antiseptic chemical. This primary property of the chemical results in its primary use that is to disinfect the skin and any other object. For example, it is used to disinfect the skin of patients and all the healthcare professionals involved in the procedure before an operation. The disinfection is a crucial process, as it is responsible for preventing any post-operation infection complication. For the same reason, the chemical is also used to disinfect the tools used in the operation, along with just about all of the elements that are present in the operation theatre environment. It is also used for the cleaning of wounds.
Other uses of the chemical occur in the region of dental care, as it can be used as the primary ingredient in mouthwash and help prevent the build-up of dental plaque. Further uses in dental care include treatment of yeast infections of the mouth and may also be used for the improvement of gingivitis.
Chlorhexidine eye drops have been formulated also to treat a rare disease of the cornea. Preventing urinary catheters from blocking is also included in one of the uses of this chemical.
Side effects of Chlorhexidine
As mentioned above, it is one of the safest medicinal chemicals to be found, so a side effect of this chemical is very rare. However, it can, in theory, cause one of the following problems. It can stain the tooth and/or the tongue of the person using it, it can cause an increased build-up of tartar, it can result in irritation of the mouth and/or throat of a person, and can result in the taste of food and drinks feeling different for the user. The chances of a severe allergic reaction to this chemical range from slim to none. However, any person making use of this chemical for any condition at all should contact a doctor if they experience a rash in the mouth or on the skin, regions of their face, tongue or throat swelling, dizziness or difficulty in breathing. While there are more possible side effects, as mentioned above, the chances of a side effect are next to none.
Example of Hibiclens
Hibiclens is the strange-sounding name of one of the most famous medical products to make use of Chlorhexidine. It is a skin cleanser with a wide variety of uses, but primarily to disinfect the skin. It can also be used in place of a hand sanitizer. It has the added advantage that while most hand sanitizers lose their antibacterial properties upon drying, Hibiclens promises a 24 hour guaranteed protection from any and all germs which may find their way to your hands during your everyday life activity. This is a promise which they were quick to remind the public of on the occasion of the National Handshake Day.