A 2019 Cochrane review concluded that based on very low certainty evidence in those who are critically ill "it is not clear whether bathing with chlorhexidine reduces hospital‐acquired infections, mortality, or length of stay in the ICU, or whether the use of chlorhexidine results in more skin reactions. "In endodontics, chlorhexidine is used for root canal irrigation and as an intracanal dressing, but has been replaced by the use of sodium hypochlorite bleach in much of the developed world. Antiseptic
CHG is active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, facultative anaerobes, aerobes, and yeasts. It is particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria (in concentrations ≥ 1 μg/L). Significantly higher concentrations (10 to more than 73 μg/mL) are required for Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. Chlorhexidine is ineffective against polioviruses and adenoviruses. The effectiveness against herpes viruses has not yet been established unequivocally.There is strong evidence that chlorhexidine is more effective than povidone-iodine for clean surgery. Evidence shows that it is the most effective antiseptic for upper limb surgery, and there is no data to suggest that alcoholic chlorhexidine increases the risk of tourniquet-related burns, ignition fires or allergic episodes during surgery. Chlorhexidine, like other cation-active compounds, remains on the skin. It is frequently combined with alcohols (ethanol and isopropyl alcohol). Dental use
Use of a CHG-based mouthwash in combination with normal tooth care can help reduce the build-up of plaque and improve mild gingivitis. There is not enough evidence to determine the effect in moderate to severe gingivitis.
Autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy is a rare genetic disorder characterized by central vision loss, retinopathy, absence of an electrooculogram light rise, and decreased electroretinogram. Other findings include dispersed punctate flecks, macular neurosensory retina fluid build-up, hyperopia, macular thinning, and (less commonly) angle-closure glaucoma.It is caused by hereditary autosomal recessive mutations in the BEST1 gene, located in chromosome 11, and it has been described in less than 20 individuals from 10 families worldwide. == References ==