Chloraprep Warnings

Chloraprep is an antiseptic composed of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and is effective in killing microorganisms on the skin that can cause bloodstream infections or surgical site infections. While Cloraprep is an effective and often preferred skin antiseptic in medical operations, its potency and antimicrobial properties can pose a danger to the patient if used improperly.

Prohibited Uses

• The label specifically prohibits the use of Chloraprep in children less than two months old. In such young patients, there is a danger of excessive irritation of the dermis and increased drug absorption, which could lead to other complications. Patients with known allergies to either CHG or IPA should not be treated with Chloraprep. It should never be used on open skin wounds, near lumbar puncture or in contact with the meninges, and around the eyes, ears or mouth as serious injury can occur if it enters or is absorbed into the body. Chloraprep is also prohibited with regular, general skin cleansing.

Flammable

• Several labeled warnings warn of the high flammability of Chloraprep. In all applications, at least three minutes' time should be allowed to pass for the liquid to dry. This is done to prevent the presence of flammable vapors. Operations that require draping or use of an ignition source, such as cautery or lasers, are especially dangerous when performed in proximity to liquid Chloraprep. If it comes in contact with materials such as drapes or gowns, they must be removed and replaced with dry materials before using an ignition source.

Instances of Slow Drying

• Chloraprep that is allowed to pool will dry slowly, emitting flammable vapors until completely dry, and will pose serious risks of ignition. If the solution comes in contact with hair it may also take significantly longer to dry or may not dry completely. As with pooling, this delay in drying can become an ignition hazard when the wet solution comes close to an ignition source.

Penetration From Runoff

• Chloraprep can make contact with the eyes, nose or mouth of it drips or runs down from an application on the neck area. When prepping a patient and applying the solution to the neck area, towels should be placed around the prepped area to absorb excess Chloraprep. Once dampened by the solution, these towels will become an ignition hazard and will need to be removed.