Chlorhexidine is a bisbiguanide antiseptic, disinfectant and preservative that is effective against a wide range of bacteria, and also a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that is active against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria [1, 2].

What kind of antibiotic is chlorhexidine?

Chlorhexidine belongs to a group of medicines called antiseptic antibacterial agents. It is used to clean the skin after an injury, before surgery, or before an injection. Chlorhexidine is also used to clean the hands before a procedure. It works by killing or preventing the growth of bacteria on the skin.

Does chlorhexidine kill bacteria?

Chlorhexidine, the active ingredient in Hibiclens, is a broad-spectrum antiseptic skin cleanser that is proven effective against a wide range of bacteria, fungi, viruses and yeast. Washing with chlorhexidine kills bacteria by disrupting the cell membrane.