Hibiclens is the brand name for the antiseptic chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine is widely used as a topical antiseptic skin cleanser before surgery and as a hand washing solution for surgeons. Chlorhexidine is also used as part of a mouthwash for people with periodontal disease such as gingivitis, a gum inflammation. Concentrations vary depending on the drug's purpose; surgical scrubs contain 2 to 4 percent chlorhexidine, while mouthwash products contain just 0.12 percent. While Hibiclens is generally safe and effective as an antiseptic, some caveats for its use do exist.
Eye Use
Hibiclens can cause serious, permanent eye damage. Hibiclens in the eye can cause severe pain and swelling of the skin around the eyes. Inflammation of the cornea, the dome shaped covering of the iris and pupil and inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the eye, can also occur, Drugs.com warns. Loss of the epithelial cells in the cornea and can lead to corneal ulcers. Clouding of the cornea can lead to vision loss. In severe cases, corneal transplant may become necessary to restore vision. If Hibiclens enters the eye, the eye should be flushed with copious amounts of water.
Ear Use
Hibiclens use in the middle ear can result in permanent hearing loss from nerve damage, according to Drugs.com. Inner ear damage from use of Hibiclens is related to the strength of the dosage and the duration of exposure, the Department of Neurosurgery at Thomas Jefferson University reports.
Hypersensitivity
People allergic to Hibiclens should avoid its use. As many as 2 percent of people tested with patch testing showed hypersensitivity to Hibiclens, with as many as 5 percent of people with eczema possibly showing hypersensitivity to the drug, Drugs.com reports. Signs of hypersensitivity include skin rash, hives, blisters, itching, redness at the area of application and shortness of breath. Anaphylactic shock, with collapse, low blood pressure and possible death can also occur. Hypersensitivity reactions may be particularly likely to occur if Hibiclens is applied to the genital area, according to "Operational Medicine: Health Care in Military Settings."
Lumbar Puncture
Hibiclens should not be used for lumbar puncture or any other procedures in which the product might come into contact with the meninges due to the potential for neurotoxicity.
Open Wounds
Hibiclens should not be used on open wounds.
