PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “chlorhexidine”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Evaluation of semiannual combined-treatment with fluoride-chlorhexidine varnish and toothbrushing with chlorhexidine toothpaste for 15 days every 3 months in hypercariogenic children].

An investigation was carried out in hypercaries-producing children, who had have previously curative treatment. Twenty three children were treated with semestral applications of fluorine-chlorhexidine varnish and daily brushing for 15 days every three months, with dental creme with chlorhexidine, while 21 children were selected as control group. Four analysis of Str. mutants in saliva (Matsukubo technique) were performed to each child in both groups, during a year. It was found that children treated reduced, remarkably, the degree of infection by Str. mutans, while degree of infection did not suffer modification in those children of the control group. The final examination performed after one year showed that 15 children of the control group resulted affected by caries (71.4%) with an incidence of 27 caries (1.29 index), while in the group under treatment only a child resulted affected with a caries. Reduction found in the incidence of caries was 96.9%. Problematic of hypercaries-producing child is analyzed and it is concluded that it is necessary to control and record him, and that investment in a strict treatment, such as that successfully assayed by us, should be rentable, since it should reduce amount of extractions of teeth and to contribute in that way to a real promotion of oral health with the infantile population.

Child↗

Chlorhexidine in cleft lip and palate patients with multibracket appliances. Results of a prospective study on the effectiveness of two different chlorhexidine preparations in cleft lip and palate patients with multibracket appliances.

AIM: The aim of this study is to reduce the caries risk in cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients with multibracket appliances via a compliance-independent method. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-eight CLP patients with multibracket appliances were submitted to professional tooth cleaning at 4-week intervals. After randomization, patients in group A wore a splint filled with chlorhexidine (CHX) gel (Chlorhexamed) for 15 minutes (3 x 5 min) every 12 weeks. Patients in group B were treated with CHX varnish (EC40) every 12 weeks. Fluoride varnish (Fluoridin) was applied to all teeth 4 and 8 weeks after the respective CHX treatments. Regular salivary bacteria counts (CRT) were carried out to determine therapeutic effectiveness. Initial DMFS values were compared to the final ones. RESULTS: Initial findings of the salivary test and DMFS index confirmed the high caries risk. The DMFS value increased dramatically in both groups despite this systematic prophylaxis program. The bactericidal effect of both CHX preparations turned out to be markedly weaker than that described in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: Though the CHX and fluoride application had a limited effect (at least in this test population), one should keep in mind that it is precisely this population that requires very intensive prophylaxis, and that no antibacterial adjuvant is more effective than CHX. However, the application interval should be individually adapted to the bacteria count.

Adolescent↗

Chlorhexidine spray versus chlorhexidine mouthwash in the control of dental plaque after periodontal surgery.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This clinical trial aimed at comparing 2 different means of delivering chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) in the oral hygiene phase during the 2 weeks following periodontal surgery. METHOD: 40 patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: A (using CHX mouthwash) and B (using CHX spray). Professional oral hygiene was carried out immediately before surgical operation. For 7 days after surgery, group A used CHX mouthwash and group B CHX spray on the teeth involved in the surgical procedure, while mechanical oral hygiene was maintained only on the teeth not involved surgically. After suture removal, on the 7th day, patients were allowed to perform mechanical oral hygiene also on surgical sites. Plaque index (PI) and stain index (SI) were evaluated on the 7th and 14th days after the operation. RESULTS: In both groups, PI increased similarly with respect to the baseline in surgically involved teeth, being 0.25+/-0.41 (SD) and 0.15+/-0.26, respectively, in A and B, on day 7, and 0.14+/-0.23 (A) and 0.10+/-0.22 (B), on day 14. There was no significant difference between A and B on either day 7 or 14. On the contrary, SI increased significantly in respect to the baseline over the 14 days in group A at both involved and not involved sites, while it did not differ from the baseline in group B. CONCLUSIONS: The present results indicate that the efficacy of CHX spray in the post-surgical control of dental plaque is not different from that of CHX mouthwash. Tooth staining, on the contrary, was significantly lower in the group using CHX spray. The observed effects might be related to the way of delivering CHX and to the total dose administered, about 80% lower in group B in respect to A. Further studies are needed to validate the preliminary findings of the present study.

Adult↗

Comparison of the efficacy of 40% chlorhexidine varnish and 1% chlorhexidine-fluoride gel in decreasing the level of salivary mutans streptococci.

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of a 40% chlorhexidine (CHX) varnish (EC40, Certichem, Nijmegen, The Netherlands) with a 1% CHX-0.2% NaF gel in decreasing the level of salivary mutans streptococci (MS). The subjects were screened for a high level of MS using a Dentocult-SM strip method (Orion Diagnostica, Finland). In varnish groups with fluoride (VCHXF, n = 20) and without fluoride (VCHX, n = 19), the CHX varnish was applied on dry teeth using an ampoule and an anesthetic syringe with blunt needle, and removed after 15 min. In group VCHXF an additional 2.26% fluoride varnish (Duraphat, Woelm Pharma GmbH, Eschwege, Germany) was applied. The CHX-NaF gel treatment included the application of the gel with rubber cups and dental tape for 5 min on three occasions during a week in group GCHXF (n = 21). The level of MS (MSB agar) was significantly lower after 4 weeks than at baseline in VCHX (p < 0.001) and VCHXF (p < 0.05), but not after 12 weeks. In GCHXF a significant decrease (p = 0.001) was observed after 4 weeks only with the strip method. In VCHX and VCHXF the strip values for MS were still reduced after 12 weeks. In VCHX and GCHXF a small, although statistically significant, increase was observed in the total number of microorganisms after 4 and 12 weeks. Opinions on taste sensations associated with the treatments were generally negative, but least negative in the VCHXF group; fewer side effects were also reported in the VCHXF group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration, Topical↗

An economic evaluation of a chlorhexidine chip for treating chronic periodontitis: the CHIP (chlorhexidine in periodontitis) study.

BACKGROUND: The authors previously suggested that an adjunctive, controlled-release chlorhexidine, or CHX, chip may reduce periodontal surgical needs at little additional cost. This article presents an economic analysis of the CHX chip in general dental practice. METHODS: In a one-year prospective clinical trial, 484 chronic periodontitis patients in 52 general practices across the United States were treated with either scaling and root planing, or SRP, plus any therapy prescribed by treating, unblinded dentists; or SRP plus other therapy as above but including the CHX chip. Economic data were collected from bills, case report forms and 12-month treatment recommendations from blinded periodontist evaluators. RESULTS: Total dental charges were higher for SRP + CHX chip patients vs. SRP patients when CHX chip costs were included (P = .027) but lower when CHX chip costs were excluded (P = .012). About one-half of the CHX chip acquisition cost was offset by savings in other charges. SRP + CHX chip patients were about 50 percent less likely to undergo surgical procedures than were SRP patients (P = .021). At the end of the trial, periodontist evaluators recommended similar additional procedures for both groups: SRP, about 46 percent; maintenance, about 37 percent; surgery, 56 percent for SRP alone and 63 percent for SRP + CHX chip. CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive CHX chip use for general-practice patients with periodontitis increased costs but reduced surgeries over one year. At study's end, periodontists recommended similar additional surgical treatment for both groups. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: In general practice, routine use of the CHX chip suggests that costs will be partially offset by reduced surgery over at least one year.

Adult↗

Efficacy of a chlorhexidine and a chlorhexidine-fluoride varnish mixture to decrease interdental levels of mutans streptococci.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of a chlorhexidine/thymol-containing (CHX) and a chlorhexidine/thymol/fluoride-containing (CHX + F) varnish to decrease interdental levels of mutans streptococci (MS). Eighty-two healthy schoolchildren (11-13 years) with high scores of salivary MS were selected by a screening procedure and randomised into two groups. MS were enumerated at all mesial interdental sites of the first permanent molars with the aid of a modified chair-side technique. The interdental molar and premolar sites were treated with either a 1% CHX varnish (Cervitec) or a 1:1 mixture of the CHX varnish and a fluoride varnish containing 0.1% w/w difluorsilane (Fluor Protector; CHX + F) on two occasions within a 2-week period. The varnishes were applied with a small brush after cleaning with dental floss and drying with air. Follow-up samples from the interdental areas were collected after 1 and 3 months. Both groups exhibited a similar statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduction of interdental MS after 1 month when compared with baseline. After 3 months, a significant reduction (p < 0.05) was still found in the CHX + F varnish group but not in the CHX varnish group. In conclusion, the results suggest that the addition of fluoride to an antibacterial varnish might improve the long-term efficacy in diminishing the cariogenic microbial challenge. Thus, the mixed varnish concept should be further developed and warrants an implementation of clinical studies.

Adolescent↗

Studies on the effect of polyvinyl pyrrolidone on the activity of chlorhexidine mouthrinses: plaque and stain.

BACKGROUND, AIMS: Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) was shown in vitro to reduce chlorhexidine induced, dietary staining without affecting the uptake of the antiseptic to the test substrate. The aim of these studies in vivo was to determine whether PVP affected plaque and dietary staining by a low concentration chlorhexidine rinse. METHODS: The plaque and stain studies used a double blind, randomised 6, treatment crossover design involving healthy subjects with a high standard of oral hygiene and gingival health. The rinse formulations under test were: (A) aqueous alcohol (placebo control), (B) 0.03% chlorhexidine, (C) 0.06% chlorhexidine, (D) 0.06% chlorhexidine+1.2% PVP, (E) 0.06% chlorhexidine+5% PVP, (F) 0.06% chlorhexidine+10% PVP. In the plaque study, on day 1 of each period, subjects were rendered plaque free and then rinsed with 15 ml of the test rinse for 60 s. No further tooth cleaning was performed and subjects returned 24 h later for plaque scoring by area. In the stain study, on day 1 of each period, the tongue and teeth of each subject were rendered stain free. Subjects then rinsed under supervision for 60 s with 15 ml of the allocated rinse 8 x a day between 09:00 h and 17:00 h for 3 days. Immediately after each rinse with the test formulation, subjects rinsed for 120 s with 15 ml of warm black tea. Subjects were requested to also drink at least 5 cups of tea or coffee per day. On day 4, stain was scored by area and intensity from designated teeth and dorsum of the tongue. Washout periods were at least 7 days in both studies. RESULTS: Plaque areas were greatest with placebo and least with 0.06% chlorhexidine. Plaque scores increased with increasing concentrations of PVP in the 0.06% chlorhexidine rinse and were significantly higher than 0.06% chlorhexidine without PVP rinse. Tooth stain areas were comparable for placebo, 0.03% and 0.06% chlorhexidine rinses, but significantly reduced with the PVP/chlorhexidine rinses compared to the 0.06% chlorhexidine rinse. Tooth stain intensity was significantly increased with 0.06% chlorhexidine rinses compared to placebo and chlorhexidine/PVP rinses. Tongue stain area and intensity were significantly reduced with 5% and 10% PVP/chlorhexidine rinses compared to 0.06% chlorhexidine rinse. CONCLUSION: PVP, at the concentrations tested, reduced the stain propensity of a 0.06% chlorhexidine rinse but at the expense of some loss of plaque inhibition.

Adolescent↗

Chlorhexidine: is it still the gold standard?

After 20 years of use by the dental profession, chlorhexidine is recognized as the gold standard against which other antiplaque and gingivitis agents are measured. Chlorhexidine's antiplaque effect is a result of the dicationic nature of the chlorhexidine molecule, which affords the agent the property of persistence of antimicrobial effect at the tooth surface, through both bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects. Although other antiplaque agents may show either purely immediate effect, or limited persistence, the degree of chlorhexidine's persistence of effect at the tooth surface is the basis of its clinical efficacy. Similarly, the cationic nature of the chlorhexidine molecule is the basis of the most common side effect associated with the use of the agent--extrinsic tooth staining. Such tooth staining seems to be the result of a local precipitation reaction between tooth-bound chlorhexidine and chromogens found within foodstuffs and beverages. The cationic nature of the chlorhexidine molecule also means that the activity of the agent is rapidly reduced in the presence of anionic agents, specifically those found within certain types of toothpaste; thus care is required when using normal toothbrushing alongside chlorhexidine. By understanding how the chemical properties of the chlorhexidine molecule can explain the plethora of clinical efficacy and safety data, the use of chlorhexidine can be optimally aimed towards the patient groups who would most benefit from the superior therapeutic effect of the agent. Specifically, chlorhexidine would seem to be of most value to patients in whom the ability to perform adequate oral hygiene procedures has been compromised. In these individuals the delivery of the correct dose of chlorhexidine to the tooth surface can be optimized through the judicial use of the several different chlorhexidine formulations now available. Thus, by understanding the properties and limitations of the chlorhexidine molecule, the dental profession can ensure that the efficacy of the agent is maximized, and the side effects associated with the agent are minimized, allowing chlorhexidine to rightly remain the gold standard against which other antiplaque agents are measured.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗

Initial effect of controlled release chlorhexidine on subgingival microorganisms.

BACKGROUND: Little or no data exist on the ability of subgingival application of PerioChip (2.5 mg chlorhexidine gluconate in a biodegradable chip; Astra Pharmaceuticals, Westborough, MA, USA) to suppress periodontopathic microorganisms. The present study compared the subgingival microbiota of periodontitis sites receiving the chlorhexidine chip plus scaling and root planing (Sc/Rp) or Sc/Rp alone. METHODS: Seven males and six females, mean age 49 years, with moderate to advanced periodontitis participated in the study. In each patient, two bilateral pockets probing 6-7 mm were randomly assigned to treatment by chlorhexidine chip + Sc/Rp, or by Sc/Rp alone. Subgingival placement of chlorhexidine chips was carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions. Sc/Rp was performed with hand instruments for at least 10 min in each study tooth. Subgingival samples were collected by paper-points at baseline, at 2 weeks and at 4 weeks post-treatment. Anaerobic culture methods were used for microbial isolation and identification. The microbiologic examination was carried out blindly. Microbiological data were evaluated by a repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: No statistical difference was found in total colony counts between subgingival sites treated with chlorhexidine chip + Sc/Rp and those treated with Sc/Rp alone. Also, the percentage of major periodontal pathogens (Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Bacteroides forsythus) and the percentage of total periodontal pathogens (A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, B. forsythus, Prevotella intermedia-group, Fusobacterium, Eubacterium, Campylobacter rectus, Peptostreptococcus micros, Eikenella corrodens, enteric rods) were not significantly different between the chlorhexidine chip + Sc/Rp group and the Sc/Rp group. At baseline, A. actinomycetemcomitans was recovered from 4 chlorhexidine chip + Sc/Rp sites and 2 Sc/Rp sites, P. gingivalis from 5 chlorhexidine chip + Sc/Rp sites and 4 Sc/Rp sites, and B. forsythus from 9 chlorhexidine chip + Sc/Rp and 7 Sc/Rp sites. At 4 weeks, A. actinomycetemcomitans was detected in 2 chlorhexidine chip + Sc/Rp sites but not in any site receiving Sc/Rp, P. gingivalis in 2 chlorhexidine chip + Sc/Rp sites but not in any Sc/Rp site, and B. forsythus in 1 chlorhexidine chip + Sc/Rp and in 2 Sc/Rp sites. CONCLUSION: The present data obtained from bilateral periodontitis lesions of 13 adults suggest that chlorhexidine chip treatment of adult periodontitis lesions provides little or no additional antimicrobial benefits compared to thorough Sc/Rp alone.

Adult↗

Inhibition of Porphyromonas gingivalis proteinases (gingipains) by chlorhexidine: synergistic effect of Zn(II).

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gingipains, proteolytic enzymes produced by the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis, are regarded as virulence factors in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Inhibition of gingipain activity therefore may have therapeutic potential, and it has been suggested that chlorhexidine may inhibit the activities of these enzymes. The purposes of the present study were to examine systematically the inhibitory effects of chlorhexidine on three purified gingipains and to determine the effect of Zn(II) on chlorhexidine inhibition. METHODS: The activities of lys-gingipain (Kgp) and two forms of arg-gingipain (RgpB and HRgpA) were measured in the presence of varying concentrations of chlorhexidine and with chlorhexidine supplemented with Zn(II). Inhibition constants (K(i)'s) were determined for chlorhexidine alone and in the presence of Zn(II). Fractional inhibitory constant indices were calculated to assess the synergy of the chlorhexidine-Zn(II) inhibition. RESULTS: RgpB, HRgpA, and Kgp were all inhibited by chlorhexidine with K(i)'s in the micromolar range. For RgpB and HRgpA, the inhibitory effects of chlorhexidine were enhanced 3-30-fold by Zn(II). The chlorhexidine-Zn(II) interaction was synergistic for inhibition of HRgpA and RgpB. For Kgp, the effect of Zn(II) on chlorhexidine inhibition was antagonistic. CONCLUSIONS: Chlorhexidine is an effective inhibitor of gingipains, and the inhibition of R-gingipains is enhanced by Zn(II). A mixture of chlorhexidine and Zn(II) may be useful as an adjunct in the treatment of periodontitis and in the post-treatment maintenance of periodontitis patients.

Adhesins, Bacterial↗

Chlorhexidine gluconate and acetate in patch testing.

Patch testing to chlorhexidine is usually performed with chlorhexidine gluconate aq. We report the results of 297 patients, almost all with leg ulcers, concomitantly tested with chlorhexidine acetate 1% aq. and chlorhexidine gluconate 1% aq. 39 patients had positive reactions to one of these compounds or to both. 36 positive reactions to the acetate were found, in contrast to 18 reactions to the gluconate. The reactions were considered relevant in 22 of 39 patients, since these patients had developed an eczema in an area where a chlorhexidine compound was used, and discontinuing the chlorhexidine compound resulted in improvement of the condition. In 10 of these 22 patients, the diagnosis would have been missed if the gluconate only had been used for testing, while the acetate failed to diagnose 2 patients. In 109 patients without leg ulcers, inconclusive patch test readings (i.e., irritant reactions or weak positive reactions) were found in 17% with chlorhexidine acetate 1% aq., compared to 5% with chlorhexidine gluconate 1% aq., indicating a high degree of irritant potential of the acetate 1% aq. We consider that some positive reactions are lost if chlorhexidine gluconate 1% aq. only is used for patch testing, but that chlorhexidine acetate 1% aq., on the other hand, is an unacceptably strong irritant. We therefore suggest that further testing with chlorhexidine acetate 1 and 0.5% aq. should be performed, in parallel with chlorhexidine gluconate 1% aq., in order to establish appropriate test concentrations. We find that up to 13% of the leg ulcer patients in this study may be sensitized to chlorhexidine, and we recommend that the indications for the drug in leg ulcer patients should be reconsidered.

Chlorhexidine↗

An in vitro study on the cytotoxicity of chlorhexidine digluconate to human gingival cells.

Chlorhexidine digluconate is the active ingredient in mouthrinses used to prevent dental plaque and gingivitis. The in vitro cytotoxicity of chlorhexidine was evaluated with the Smulow-Glickman (S-G) gingival epithelial cell line. The potency of chlorhexidine was dependent on the length of exposure and composition of the exposure medium. The midpoint cytotoxicity values for 1-, 24-, and 72-h exposures were 0.106, 0.011, and 0.0045 mmol/L, respectively. S-G cells exposed for 2 h to chlorhexidine and then maintained for 48 h in chlorhexidine-free medium were unable to recover from the initial insult. The adverse effects of chlorhexidine on the plasma membrane were suggested by the leakage of lactic acid dehydrogenase from chlorhexidine-treated S-G cells and by the increased permeability of chlorhexidine-treated liposomes to Ca2+. The toxicity of a 24-h exposure to chlorhexidine to the S-G cells was progressively lessened as the content of fetal bovine serum (FBS) in the exposure medium was increased from 2% to 8%. The potency of a 1-h exposure to chlorhexidine was reduced in medium amended with albumin, lecithin, and heat-killed Escherichia coli. These reductions in toxicity were presumably due to the binding of the cationic chlorhexidine to the negatively charged chemical moieties of the components of FBS and of albumin and lecithin and of sites on the surfaces of bacteria. Combinations of chlorhexidine and carbamide peroxide were additive in their cytotoxicities.

Animals↗

Sustained ex vivo skin antiseptic activity of chlorhexidine in poly(epsilon-caprolactone) nanocapsule encapsulated form and as a digluconate.

In this work, the sustained bactericidal activity of chlorhexidine base loaded poly(epsilon-caprolactone), PCL, nanocapsules against Staphylococcus epidermidis inoculated onto porcine ear skin was investigated. Drug loaded nanocapsules were prepared by the interfacial polymer deposition following solvent displacement method, then characterized by photon correlation spectroscopy, electrophoretic measurements, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Antimicrobial activity of these colloidal carriers was evaluated (i) in vitro against eight strains of bacteria, and (ii) ex vivo against Staphylococcus epidermidis inoculated for 12 h onto porcine ear skin surface treated for 3 min either with 0.6% chlorhexidine base loaded or unloaded nanocapsules suspended in hydrogel, or 1% chlorhexidine digluconate aqueous solution. Chlorhexidine absorption into the stratum corneum (SC) was evaluated by the tape-stripping method. The results showed that chlorhexidine nanocapsules in aqueous suspension having a 200-300 nm size and a positive charge exhibited similar minimum inhibitory concentrations against several bacteria with chlorhexidine digluconate aqueous solution. Ex vivo, there was a significant reduction in the number of colony forming units (CFUs) from 3-min treated skin with chlorhexidine nanocapsule suspension (5 to <1 log(10)) compared to chlorhexidine digluconate solution (5 to 2.02 log(10)) after a 8-h artificial contamination. After a 12-h artificial contamination, both formulations failed to achieve a 5 log(10) reduction. Furthermore, from a 3-min treatment with an identical applied dose and a subsequent 12-h artificial contamination, a residual chlorhexidine concentration in the SC was found to be three-fold higher with chlorhexidine nanocapsule suspension than with chlorhexidine digluconate solution. Interestingly, nanocapsules were shown in porcine skin follicles. Consequently, a topical application of chlorhexidine base-loaded positively charged nanocapsules in an aqueous gel achieved a sustained release of bactericide against Staphylococcus epidermidis for at least 8 h. Enhancement of drug delivery by mediating a more direct and prolonged contact between the carrier and (i) bacteria, (ii) skin surface, and (iii) skin follicles was assumed.

Animals↗

Anaphylaxis to chlorhexidine. Case report. Implication of immunoglobulin E antibodies and identification of an allergenic determinant.

BACKGROUND: There are many reports of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, following exposure to chlorhexidine. Reactions may occur via contact with the skin and mucous membranes or from catheters treated with the antibacterial agent. Apart from implicating chlorguanide in immunoglobulin (Ig) E antibody-binding studies on serum from an anaphylactic patient, little work has been done on the molecular basis of recognition of the agent in sensitive subjects. OBJECTIVES: The molecular basis of IgE-binding to chlorhexidine was closely examined with the view of defining its fine structural recognition features by antibodies from a subject who experienced anaphylaxis following contact with the antiseptic. METHODS: Tryptase determinations, different drug-solid phases, immunoassays and quantitative hapten inhibition studies with chlorhexidine and selected structural analogues were employed together with serum from the anaphylactic patient. Results were analysed to define the complete drug allergenic determinant and to identify the important structural features complementary to the IgE antibody combining sites. RESULTS: The subject's serum tryptase levels sampled after the reaction were elevated and employment of a chlorhexidine-EA Sepharose solid phase showed the presence of serum IgE antibodies to the drug. Lack of inhibition by 4-chlorophenol and other selected substituted phenyl compounds showed that the terminal groups at each end of the chlorhexidine molecule, alone, did not account for antibody recognition of the antibacterial agent. Although chlorguanide and alexidine, the structures of which each comprise part of the chlorhexidine molecule, showed significant inhibition of the binding of IgE antibodies to chlorhexidine, neither compound was as potent an inhibitor as chlorhexidine itself. Two molecules of chlorguanide make up the symmetrical molecule of chlorhexidine while the interior structure of alexidine (that is excluding the terminal 2-ethylhexyl groups) is identical to part of the chlorhexidine molecule. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, for this patient, these results lead to the conclusion that the whole chlorhexidine molecule is complementary to the IgE antibody combining sites and that the 4-chlorophenol, biguanide and hexamethylene structures together comprise the allergenic determinant. Hence, like one of the trimethoprim determinants identified, but unlike most drug allergenic determinants identified so far, the chlorhexidine allergenic determinant identified here encompasses the entire molecule.

Aged↗