2023-11-30 15:24:00
Paris, France | AFP | Thursday 11/30/2023 – The medicines safety agency (ANSM) observed a “constant increase in the number of reports of serious allergic reactions associated with chlorhexidine”, a bactericidal antiseptic, and urged on Thursday not to use it as the first home disinfectant.
“Many people in France are exposed to it, which increases the risk of sensitization and, consequently, the increase in the risk of immediate and serious allergic reaction,” underlines the ANSM.
The agency specifies that “such reactions, which however remain rare, generally occur within an hour following the use of chlorhexidine.”
Among these possible allergic reactions: hives, facial swelling and breathing difficulties, or even anaphylactic shock, an extremely violent allergic reaction, which is an absolute medical emergency.
Chlorhexidine is included in the composition of many products. It is used as an antiseptic, mainly for skin use or in the form of mouthwashes, oral spray solutions, lozenges, eye drops, or urological gels.
Finally, it is present in hygiene products (certain toothpastes for example) and in certain cosmetics (sometimes used as a preservative).
In order to reduce the risk of allergy, the ANSM advises not to use it as a disinfectant at home.
“Washing with clean water and soap is the first step to clean a superficial wound,” she adds.
If an allergy to chlorhexidine has already occurred, the agency encourages you to notify your nurse, pharmacist, doctor, surgeon or dentist.
Health professionals are invited to offer alternatives to chlorhexidine to their patients.
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