What Is Chlorhexidine Acetate Used For?

Chlorohexidine acetate is a compound that contains chlorohexidine as an active ingredient. It possesses antiseptic properties and is widely used as a topical applicator and a bactericide because of the effect of chlorohexidine in killing both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It does so by inhibiting the growth of bacteria by interfering with the microbe’s metabolism through interference with protein production of the bacteria as well as its DNA replication process. The chemical acts as a broad spectrum antiseptic.

Chlorhexidine Acetate as a Topical Disinfectant

• Chlorohexidine acetate is used for treating wounds. A solution containing the chemical is also used as an applicator before administrating injections to patients. In surgery, it is used as a scrub for cleaning surgical wounds and keeping them disinfected. The chemical also shows certain inhibitory characteristics with viruses, making it a broad spectrum antiseptic. Because of its antiseptic properties, chlorohexidine acetate is used as a component in domestic antiseptics.

General Dental Hygiene Through Chlorohexidine Acetate

• The chemical is also used for dental hygiene. Chlorohexidine acetate solutions are used as an active ingredient in mouthwash and dental creams aimed at reducing dental plaque. Bad breath generally caused by the presence of oral bacteria, and chlorhexidine acetate immediately works to cleanse the area around the teeth and enamel and even provides a prolonged antibacterial environment to the mouth.

Tooth Pastes, Xylitol Effect and Chewing Gums

• Chlorohexidine acetate and similar products can be used to prevent gingivitis, a commonly occurring gum disease. In what is known as the "xylitol effect," modern toothpastes basically use chlorhexidine acetate combined with xylitol to provide multifaceted dental protection from decay and germs. Even chewing gums that promote dental care contain traces of chlorhexidine acetate for producing a bacteriostatic effect in the mouth temporarily.

Veterinary Uses of Chlorhexidine Acetate

• Chlorohexidine acetate is used as a topical disinfectant in veterinary science for treating animal wounds. The antiseptic nature of chlorhexidine acetate applications can last up to six hours in an animal. According to a clinical study done on bitches of different breeds recovering from surgery, it was seen that usage of chlorhexidine acetate solutions showed remarkable wound recovery as well as efficient anti-microbial attributes. In cats too, certain disorders like feline acne are treated by administering very low concentration of chlorhexidine acetate solutions on the acne. As a result, acne reduces significantly within two weeks.

Side Effects of Chlorohexidine Acetate

• In spite of the various antiseptic characteristics of chlorhexidine acetate, an overdose can have serious side effects. In surgery, a specific concentration of chlorhexidine solution is mixed with ethyl alcohol to trim down the former's corrosive tendencies. In any case, chlorhexidine should not be used in body cavities or near eyes or ears. In case of exposure, inflammation and tear formation can be seen in the eyes Even when used in mouthwash, the over usage of the rinse should be avoided.