Side Effects of Peridex (chlorhexidine gluconate)

Peridex (chlorhexidine gluconate) is an antiseptic and antimicrobial oral rinse. It provides protection against a wide range of bacteria. It kills bacteria by binding to bacteria cell walls. 

Common side effects of Peridex include

• staining of the teeth and other oral areas,
• dental tartar (dental calculus),
• altered sense of taste,
• toothache, and
• oral mucosal irritation.

Serious side effects of Peridex include

• parotid gland swelling and
• inflammation of the salivary glands (sialadenitis).

There are no significant drug interactions with Peridex. 

There are no adequate studies of safety and effectiveness of Peridex in pregnant women. 

It is unknown if Peridex enters the breast milk; therefore, it is best to exercise caution before using it in breastfeeding mothers.

Side effects of chlorhexidine gluconate include:

• staining of the teeth and other oral areas,
• dental tartar (dental calculus),
• altered sense of taste,
• toothache, and
• oral mucosal irritation.

Cases of parotid gland swelling and inflammation of the salivary glands (sialadenitis) have been reported.

The most common side effects associated with chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinses are:

• 1) an increase in staining of teeth and other oral surfaces;
• 2) an increase in calculus formation; and
• 3) an alteration in taste perception.

Oral irritation and local allergy-type symptoms have been spontaneously reported as side effects associated with use of chlorhexidine gluconate rinse. The following oral mucosal side effects were reported during placebo-controlled adult clinical trials:

• aphthous ulcer,
•  grossly obvious gingivitis,
• trauma,
• ulceration,
• erythema,
• desquamation,
• coated tongue,
• keratinization,
• geographic tongue,
• mucocele, and
• short frenum.

Each occurred at a frequency of less than 1.0%. Among post marketing reports, the most frequently reported oral mucosal symptoms associated with Peridex are

• stomatitis,
• gingivitis,
• glossitis,
• ulcer,
•  dry mouth,
• hypesthesia,
• glossal edema, and
• paresthesia.

Minor irritation and superficial desquamation of the oral mucosa have been noted in patients using Peridex. There have been cases of parotid gland swelling and inflammation of the salivary glands (sialadenitis) reported in patients using Peridex.

No information provided.