Chlorhex 5% Concentrate Solution

Chlorhex 5% Concentrate Solution is a topical antiseptic concentrate containing chlorhexidine gluconate 5% w/v as its active ingredient. It is supplied as a concentrated liquid intended to be diluted with water before use, and is classified as an OTC (Over-the-Counter) antiseptic product available for purchase without a prescription in Malaysia.

Chlorhexidine gluconate is a bisbiguanide antiseptic compound used across household, personal care, and clinical settings once diluted to an appropriate working concentration. Because this product is sold as a high-strength 5% w/v concentrate rather than a ready-to-use solution, it must never be applied to skin or wounds without first being diluted according to the instructions on the product label.

Chlorhex 5% Concentrate Solution is distinguished from ready-to-use antiseptic solutions by its concentrate format, which allows one bottle to be diluted into a larger volume of working solution. It is sold in Malaysia in bulk pack sizes, including 1 litre and 5 litre bottles.

• Always dilute the concentrate with clean water before use — never apply the undiluted 5% concentrate directly to skin, wounds, or mucous membranes, as this may cause irritation or chemical burns.
• Follow the exact dilution ratio and instructions printed on the product label for your intended use, as the correct ratio can differ between general surface cleaning and skin or wound antisepsis; a commonly cited general dilution is approximately 1 part concentrate to 20 parts water, but always confirm against the label or your pharmacist for the specific application.
• Measure both the concentrate and the water accurately using a clean measuring container, and mix thoroughly before use.
• Apply the freshly diluted solution to the affected area using a clean cloth, gauze, or cotton swab.
• Discard any leftover diluted solution after use — prepare a fresh dilution each time, as diluted chlorhexidine solutions do not remain stable or sterile indefinitely.
• Avoid contact with the eyes, ears (particularly if the eardrum may be perforated), and other mucous membranes.

Chlorhex 5% Concentrate Solution is not dosed in the way an oral medicine is; instead, it is diluted to a working concentration and applied topically as needed, following the ratio and frequency printed on the product label. As a general antiseptic, the diluted solution is typically applied 1 to 3 times a day to the affected area, or as advised by a healthcare provider. Do not increase the concentration beyond what is directed, and do not use the product more frequently than advised, as this does not improve its antiseptic action and may increase the risk of skin irritation.

Use Chlorhex 5% Concentrate Solution before the expiry date printed on the bottle. Once diluted, the working solution should be used promptly and any unused portion discarded, as its stability and antiseptic effectiveness cannot be guaranteed after dilution.

Store the concentrate solution in its original, tightly closed container below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep out of the reach of children, as the undiluted 5% concentrate can be harmful if swallowed or if it contacts the eyes undiluted. Do not store diluted solution for later use — prepare fresh dilutions as needed.

• Known hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine gluconate or any other component of the solution.
• Do not instil into the eyes or allow the solution, diluted or undiluted, to contact the eyes.
• Do not use in the ear canal if there is any possibility of a perforated eardrum, as chlorhexidine has been associated with reports of hearing-related damage (ototoxicity) in this situation.
• Not for internal or oral use, and not intended for use on the brain, meninges, or spinal cord during medical procedures.

• No clinically significant drug interactions are expected with correctly diluted, topical use of chlorhexidine gluconate, as systemic absorption through intact skin is minimal.
• Avoid using chlorhexidine solutions together with soap or other anionic (soap-based) cleansers on the same area at the same time, as these can inactivate chlorhexidine’s antiseptic activity; rinse soap off and allow the skin to dry before applying the diluted solution.
• Not applicable for food interactions, as this product is for external topical use only.

• Always check the product label for the specific dilution ratio recommended for your intended use before mixing.
• Label your diluted working solution with the date and time it was prepared, and discard it at the end of the day.
• Use a clean, dedicated measuring container for dilution to keep the concentration accurate each time.
• Keep the concentrate bottle tightly capped and stored away from children and pets, since it is corrosive in its undiluted form.
• Do not mix chlorhexidine with soap, iodine-based antiseptics, or other cleaning agents in the same container.
• If you are unsure about the correct dilution for a specific use (for example, wound care versus surface cleaning), check with a pharmacist before use.

Precautions: Always dilute this product before use and never apply the undiluted 5% concentrate to skin, wounds, or mucous membranes. Keep away from the eyes and ears, particularly if there is any possibility of a perforated eardrum. Keep the concentrate out of reach of children, as accidental ingestion or contact with undiluted solution can be harmful. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and need to use this product regularly over broken skin or wounds, check with a doctor or pharmacist first, although diluted topical use is generally considered low risk. Avoid combining this product with soap-based cleansers at the same time, as this can reduce its antiseptic effectiveness.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek medical advice if a wound being treated shows signs of worsening infection (increasing pain, swelling, redness, warmth, pus, or fever), if the undiluted concentrate accidentally contacts your eyes or is swallowed, or if you develop a spreading rash, blistering, or difficulty breathing after use.