Last update July 2, 2015
Very Low Risk
We do not have alternatives for Chlorhexidine since it is relatively safe.
Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.
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Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.
Chlorhexidine in other languages or writings:
Chlorhexidine belongs to this group or family:
Main tradenames from several countries containing Chlorhexidine in its composition:
Variable | Value | Unit |
---|---|---|
Oral Bioavail. | < 5 | % |
Molecular weight | 505 | daltons |
Protein Binding | 87 | % |
Tmax | 0.5 | hours |
T½ | 4 | hours |
Write us at elactancia.org@gmail.com
e-lactancia is a resource recommended by Asociación Española de Bancos de Leche Humana of Spain
Would you like to recommend the use of e-lactancia? Write to us at corporate mail of APILAM
Iodine-free disinfectant which is widely use for skin, mouth, and, obstetric disinfection. It is preferred over iodine-based disinfectants in order to avoid high iodine exposure to the child in the neonatal and breastfeeding period that would pose a higher risk for thyroid dysfunction.
Because of pharmacokinetic data (high molecular weight, high capacity for serum protein-binding and poor oral or gut absorption) significant excretion into breast milk is unlikely.
Used for obstetrical purposes (vaginal or C-section wounds) even during birth or in the puerperal period, has failed to cause harm neither to the newborn nor the breastfed child.
Although use in the nipple may not cause troubles to the breastfed infant (except one reported case in 1989) it is not considered to be a justified practice for prevention of mastitis. Any way, it is preferred to avoid use on the nipple, at least on a long-term basis. If used, wash the nipple thoroughly before nursing.
List of Essential Medicines by WHO 2002: compatible with breastfeeding.