Kilgerm Hand Rub 500 mg/100 ml

Antiseptic used as:

• Mouthwash 0.12–0.2%: gum inflammation (gingivitis), mouth ulcers, oral hygiene after dental surgery or when brushing is difficult, denture stomatitis
• Skin solution/scrub 2–4%: surgical hand scrub, pre-operative skin preparation, cleaning wounds and skin
• Umbilical cord gel 7.1% (4% chlorhexidine): preventing cord infection in newborns
• Vaginal/obstetric cream: antiseptic during delivery

Mouthwash: rinse with 10–15 ml for 30–60 seconds twice daily, then spit out (do not swallow); use at least 30 minutes after toothpaste. Usually up to 2–4 weeks.

Skin/hand scrub: apply as directed on the pack (e.g. scrub hands for 2–3 minutes and rinse).

Cord care (7.1% gel): apply to the cord stump and around its base once daily for 7 days after birth (or as per local guideline), from day 1.

• External use only for skin preparations.

• Allergy to chlorhexidine (can be severe — anaphylaxis)
• Do not use in the ears if the eardrum is perforated, or in the eyes, or on the brain/meninges
• Mouthwash: not for children under 6 (risk of swallowing) unless advised

Mouthwash: brown staining of teeth, fillings and tongue (removable by dental cleaning), altered taste, burning sensation, dry mouth, increased tartar.

Skin: irritation, dryness, contact dermatitis.

Rare but serious: severe allergic reactions (hives, swelling, breathing difficulty, collapse).

Premature babies: skin burns with alcohol-based solutions.

• Avoid contact with eyes and ears; rinse with water if contact occurs.
• Staining is reduced by limiting tea, coffee and red wine.
• Stop and seek help if signs of allergy appear.
• Alcoholic solutions are flammable — let dry completely before using diathermy.

Safe for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding (rinse the nipple area before feeding if applied there).

• Toothpaste ingredients (sodium lauryl sulphate) reduce mouthwash activity — wait 30 minutes
• Soaps and anionic agents may inactivate it on skin

Swallowing small amounts of mouthwash is unlikely to be harmful; alcohol-containing products can cause alcohol poisoning in children — seek advice.

Store below 30°C, protected from light.