Chlorhexidine - Use in Animals

Use in Animals

For use in animals, it is used as a topical disinfectant of wounds. It is more effective in killing bacteria than povidone-iodine, and has residual effects up to 6 hours. Some common brand names are ChlorhexiDerm, ResiChlor, Savinox plus (Bioshields), Germi-STAT Antimicrobial Skin Cleanser, Nolvasan Skin and Wound Cleaner, and Nolvasan Ointment. It is also more beneficial to wound healing than using saline solutions alone. Problems including deafness have been associated with the use of chlorhexidine products in cats. It is commonly used to manage skin infections in dogs. In addition to this it is an active ingredient in teat disinfectant products used within the dairy farming industry.