Bacidin Antiseptic Cream

Bacidin Antiseptic Cream is a topical cream containing chlorhexidine gluconate 1% w/w. Chlorhexidine belongs to the biguanide class of antiseptics and disinfectants. The cream is made in Malaysia by Xepa-Soul Pattinson (M) Sdn Bhd and is categorised as an Over-the-Counter (OTC) product. It is supplied on DoctorOnCall in a 15g tube for external use on the skin only.

Chlorhexidine gluconate is a cationic antiseptic that acts on the cell membrane of a wide range of bacteria on the skin surface. It is carried in a non-greasy, water-miscible cream base that spreads easily and can be washed off with water. The cream contains parabens (0.23% w/w) as a preservative, so people who are sensitive to parabens should ask a pharmacist before using it.

Because chlorhexidine can be inactivated by soap, the manufacturer advises that soap and the cream should not be used together, so rinse the skin well before applying it. Bacidin should be kept away from the eyes, ears, mouth and other mucous membranes, and it is not intended for deep or heavily contaminated wounds. Check the name, strength and pack size on the carton before use, and store the tube out of sight and reach of children.

Wash your hands and clean the area of skin with clean water, then pat it dry. Do not use soap and the cream together, as soap can reduce the activity of chlorhexidine; rinse off any soap completely first.

Apply the cream sparingly to the affected area as required and spread it gently in a thin layer. The area may be covered with a clean, sterile dressing if needed. Do not apply it to deep or puncture wounds, or over large areas of skin.

Avoid contact with the eyes, ears and mouth. Wash your hands after application, close the cap tightly and stop using the cream if irritation develops.

Adults and children: apply sparingly to the affected area as required. In practice, one to three thin applications a day are usually enough, and the tube label should be followed if it states otherwise.

Young children: use under adult supervision and avoid large areas of skin.

Maximum: use only a thin layer and avoid large areas. Missed application: apply when you remember; do not apply extra layers to make up for it. Do not use for more than about a week without medical advice, and stop and consult a doctor or pharmacist if the area looks worse or shows signs of infection.

Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight, with the cap tightly closed, and follow any storage temperature stated on the carton. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

• Known hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine, parabens or any other ingredient in the cream.
• Application to the eyes, ears, mouth, body cavities or other mucous membranes.
• Deep, puncture, serious or heavily contaminated wounds, which need medical attention.
• Use over large areas of skin unless a healthcare professional advises it.

• Soap and anionic detergents: they can inactivate chlorhexidine, so do not use soap and the cream together and rinse the skin well before application.
• Other antiseptics or skin products applied to the same area: avoid layering different products unless a pharmacist advises it.
• Oral or other medicines: no interactions are expected when small areas are treated, but ask a pharmacist if you plan to use it over a larger area.
• Food: no food interactions are known.

• Rinse off soap completely before applying the cream.
• Apply sparingly in a thin layer, as more cream does not add anything.
• Wash your hands before and after each application.
• Keep the cream away from your eyes, ears and mouth.
• Check the carton for paraben content if you have known sensitivities.
• Note the expiry date, do not share the tube, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Precautions: Ask a pharmacist before use if you are sensitive to chlorhexidine or parabens, or if you have had a skin reaction to another antiseptic. Chlorhexidine allergy is uncommon but can be severe, so stop the cream at the first sign of a spreading rash or swelling. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: information is limited, so use small areas only and check with a doctor or pharmacist first. Children: use under adult supervision. For external use only, and do not swallow.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor promptly if the wound is deep, from an animal bite or puncture, very dirty or does not stop bleeding, or if you are unsure whether your tetanus vaccination is up to date. Seek medical advice if you notice increasing pain, swelling, warmth, spreading redness, pus or fever, or if the area has not improved within about a week. Stop the cream and seek urgent help if you develop hives, facial swelling or difficulty breathing.