CHLORHEXIDINE 7.1%, dermal gel

Last updated: January 2026

Therapeutic action

• Antiseptic

Indications

• Antisepsis of umbilical cord (in specific settings)
• Adjunctive treatment of omphalitis

Forms and strengths

• 7.1% chlorhexidine (di)gluconate dermal gel, in 3 g single-dose sachet and 20 g tube

Dosage and duration

The gel should be applied to the stump and base of the umbilical cord.

Antisepsis of umbilical cord in specific settings (e.g. home birth, contexts where unhygienic substances are used in the umbilical cord)

• Apply 3 g of gel once daily for 7 days, starting as soon as possible after birth. If the neonate was born at home, start as soon as possible within the first 7 days of life.  

   

Adjunctive treatment of omphalitis

• Apply 3 g of gel 3 times daily, as long as required.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• Do not use with soap, creams, lotions or a different antiseptic (risk of incompatibility).
• May cause: skin irritation; rarely, hypersensitivity reactions.
• In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with water (risk of eye damage).
• To prevent the risk of gel contamination, the 3 g single-dose sachets are preferred over the 20 g tube. If only 20 g tubes are available, each tube must be used for a single patient.

Storage