CHLORHEXIDINE 2%, alcohol-based solution

Last updated: January 2026

Therapeutic action

• Antiseptic

Indications

• Antisepsis of intact skin

Forms and strengths

• 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) (di)gluconate/70% isopropyl alcohol impregnated wipes and coloured solution

Use

Antisepsis prior to injections and punctures 

• Apply the wipe or solution to the injection/puncture site and allow to dry before inserting the needle. The skin should be cleaned beforehand if soiled.
• Some national infection prevention and control guidelines recommend to clean the skin beforehand with CHX soap prior to procedures associated with higher risk of infections (e.g. epidural/spinal anaesthesia). 

 Antisepsis prior to surgery (surgical site preparation)

• Application technique and number of applications vary depending on surgical site, type of procedure and infection risk. For information:
  • The surgical site should be cleaned beforehand with CHX soap.
  • Apply a sufficient amount of solution to cover the incision site and surrounding area and allow to dry before incision. If more than one application is required, allow to dry completely between each application. 

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• Do not use with other antiseptics (risk of incompatibility). Given the possible interactions between different antiseptics, CHX solution can only be used with other CHX-based products (e.g. CHX soap).
• Do not apply to mucous membranes or broken skin (e.g. wounds or burns).
• Do not bring in contact with body cavities, brain and meninges, eyes (risk of eye damage), middle and inner ear (risk of deafness if ear drum is perforated). If CHX is used near neural tissues (e.g. lumbar puncture, epidural/spinal anaesthesia), ensure the solution is completely dry before the procedure.
• Use with caution in neonates, in particular preterm or low birth weight neonates (risk of chemical burn and skin irritation): 
  • For antisepsis of skin prior to injections/punctures, use on small areas only;
  • For antisepsis prior to surgery, follow national infection prevention and control guidelines or seek specialist advice.
• May cause: skin irritation; rarely, hypersensitivity reactions.
• In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with water.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: no contra-indication

Remarks

• The coloured solution is intended for antisepsis prior to surgery, for greater visibility of the area applied to.
• Also comes in CHX 2% aqueous solution, that can be used in neonates when CHX alcohol-based solution is contra-indicated for any reason. Follow national infection prevention and control guidelines or seek specialist advice.

Storage