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Bactoshield Chg

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Active ingredient
Chlorhexidine Gluconate 20 mg/1 mL
Other brand names
Dosage form
Liquid
Route
Topical
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2019
Label revision date
July 9, 2025
Active ingredient
Chlorhexidine Gluconate 20 mg/1 mL
Other brand names
Dosage form
Liquid
Route
Topical
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
CSA schedule
Not a scheduled drug
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2019
Label revision date
July 9, 2025
Manufacturer
SC Johnson Professional USA, Inc.
Registration number
NDA019258
NDC root
11084-126

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Drug Overview

Bactoshield is an antiseptic solution containing 2% chlorhexidine gluconate, which is an antimicrobial agent. It is designed to help reduce the number of microorganisms on the skin and is commonly used in various healthcare settings. You can use Bactoshield as a surgical hand scrub to significantly lower the number of germs on your hands and forearms before surgery or patient care. Additionally, it serves as a handwash for healthcare personnel to help decrease bacteria that could potentially cause disease, and it can be used as a skin wound and general skin cleanser to reduce bacteria on the skin.

Uses

You can use this product for several important purposes related to hygiene and infection control. First, it serves as a surgical hand scrub, which significantly reduces the number of microorganisms on your hands and forearms before surgery or when providing patient care. This is crucial for preventing infections during medical procedures.

Additionally, it acts as a handwash for healthcare personnel, helping to lower the presence of bacteria that could potentially cause disease. You can also use it as a skin wound and general skin cleanser, which aids in reducing bacteria on the skin, promoting better hygiene and health.

Dosage and Administration

When using this product, it's important to be cautious if you're caring for premature infants or babies under 2 months old, as it can cause irritation or chemical burns. Always use the product at full strength and never dilute it.

For surgical hand scrubbing, start by removing any jewelry. Wet your hands and forearms with water, then apply 5 mL of the product. Scrub your hands and forearms for 3 minutes, making sure to focus on your nails, cuticles, and the spaces between your fingers. Rinse thoroughly with water, then wash again for another 3 minutes with another 5 mL of the product, rinsing under running water afterward. Finally, dry your hands and forearms completely.

If you're a healthcare worker performing a handwash, wet your hands with water and dispense about 5 mL of the product into your cupped hands. Wash vigorously for 30 seconds, then rinse and dry thoroughly. For cleansing skin wounds or general skin, first rinse the area with water. Apply just enough product to cover the skin or wound, wash gently, and rinse thoroughly with water. Make sure to rinse again to ensure all product is removed.

What to Avoid

You should avoid using this product if you are allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate or any of its other ingredients. It is also important not to use it as a preoperative skin preparation, particularly on the head or face, and you should never apply it in contact with the meninges (the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) or in the genital area.

Using this product in these situations can lead to serious health risks, so please follow these guidelines carefully to ensure your safety.

Side Effects

This product may cause a severe allergic reaction, which can include symptoms like wheezing or difficulty breathing, shock, facial swelling, hives, and rash. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using the product immediately and seek medical help. It's important not to use this product if you are allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate or any of its ingredients, or if you are preparing for surgery, especially on the head or face, or if it will come into contact with the meninges (the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) or the genital area.

While using this product, avoid contact with your eyes, ears, and mouth, as it can cause serious injuries, including permanent eye damage or deafness if it enters the middle ear. If contact occurs, rinse with cold water right away. You should also stop using the product and consult a doctor if you experience irritation, sensitization, or an allergic reaction that lasts for 72 hours, as these may indicate a more serious condition.

Warnings and Precautions

This product is for external use only and may cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include wheezing, difficulty breathing, facial swelling, hives, and rash. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using the product immediately and seek medical help.

Do not use this product if you are allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate or any of its ingredients, as a preoperative skin preparation (especially on the head or face), in contact with the meninges (the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord), or in the genital area. While using the product, avoid contact with your eyes, ears, and mouth, as it can cause serious injuries. If contact occurs, rinse with cold water right away. If you notice any irritation, sensitization, or allergic reactions that last for 72 hours, stop using the product and consult your doctor. Always keep this product out of reach of children, and if swallowed, seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Overdose

If you or someone else has swallowed a medication and you suspect an overdose, it’s important to act quickly. You should seek medical help immediately or contact a Poison Control Center for guidance.

Signs of an overdose can vary, but they may include unusual symptoms that are not typical for the medication. Always err on the side of caution and get help if you are unsure. Remember, timely action can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Pregnancy Use

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it's important to be cautious when using certain medications, especially around infants. If you have a premature baby or an infant younger than 2 months, be particularly careful, as these products can cause irritation or even chemical burns. Always consult with your healthcare provider before using any medication to ensure it is safe for you and your baby.

Lactation Use

If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, it's important to be cautious when using certain medications, especially if your baby is a premature infant or under 2 months old. These products can potentially cause irritation or chemical burns in young infants, so you should consult your healthcare provider before using them. Always prioritize your baby's safety and well-being when considering any medication while nursing.

Pediatric Use

When using this product for children, especially for premature infants or those under 2 months old, it's important to be cautious. These young infants may experience irritation or even chemical burns from the product. Always ensure that the product is kept out of reach of children. If a child accidentally swallows it, seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. Your vigilance can help keep your child safe.

Geriatric Use

When considering medication for older adults, it's important to be cautious, especially if you are caring for premature infants or infants younger than 2 months. These medications can potentially cause irritation or even chemical burns in this vulnerable age group.

Always consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that the medication is appropriate and safe for the specific needs of older adults or young infants. Taking these precautions can help prevent adverse effects and ensure better health outcomes.

Renal Impairment

If you have kidney problems, it's important to know that the drug insert does not provide specific information about dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations for your condition. This means that there are no tailored guidelines for how this medication may affect you if your kidneys are not functioning properly.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure that any medication you take is safe and appropriate for your kidney health. They can help monitor your condition and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Hepatic Impairment

If you have liver problems, it's important to know that the drug insert does not provide specific information about dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or precautions for your condition. This means that there are no tailored guidelines for how this medication may affect you if you have hepatic impairment (liver issues).

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure that any medication you take is safe and appropriate for your liver health. They can help monitor your condition and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Drug Interactions

It's important to have open conversations with your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, even if there are no specific drug interactions or laboratory test interactions noted for your treatment. This ensures that your healthcare team can monitor your health effectively and make informed decisions about your care.

Always feel free to ask questions and share any other medications or supplements you may be using. This helps to create a comprehensive picture of your health and ensures your safety while receiving treatment.

Storage and Handling

To ensure the best performance of your product, store it in a cool, dry place at a temperature between 20-25°C (68-77°F). It's important to avoid exposing it to excessive heat, which is anything above 104°F (40°C), as this can compromise its effectiveness.

For any additional safety information, please refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), which provides detailed guidance on handling and disposal. By following these storage and handling instructions, you can help maintain the quality and safety of your product.

Additional Information

You should use this product with caution, especially in premature infants or those under 2 months old, as it can cause irritation or chemical burns. Always use the product at full strength without diluting it. For surgical hand scrubs, remove any jewelry, wet your hands and forearms, and apply 5 mL of the product. Scrub for 3 minutes, focusing on nails and cuticles, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat the process with another 5 mL for an additional 3 minutes. For healthcare personnel handwashing, wet your hands, use about 5 mL of the product, wash vigorously for 30 seconds, then rinse and dry.

When using this product, avoid contact with your eyes, ears, and mouth, as it can cause serious injuries. If it does come into contact with these areas, rinse immediately with cold water. If you experience irritation, sensitization, or an allergic reaction that lasts for 72 hours, stop using the product and consult a doctor. In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

FAQ

What is Bactoshield?

Bactoshield is a chlorhexidine gluconate 2% solution antiseptic that acts as an antimicrobial agent.

What are the main uses of Bactoshield?

Bactoshield is used as a surgical hand scrub, healthcare personnel handwash, and skin wound and general skin cleanser to reduce bacteria.

How should I use Bactoshield as a surgical hand scrub?

Remove jewelry, wet hands and forearms, apply 5 mL of the product, scrub for 3 minutes, rinse, and repeat the process.

Are there any contraindications for using Bactoshield?

Do not use Bactoshield if you are allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate, as a patient preoperative skin preparation, in contact with meninges, or in the genital area.

What should I do if I experience an allergic reaction to Bactoshield?

If you experience symptoms like wheezing, facial swelling, or rash, stop using Bactoshield and seek medical help immediately.

Can Bactoshield be used on infants?

Use Bactoshield with care in premature infants or infants under 2 months of age, as it may cause irritation or chemical burns.

What precautions should I take when using Bactoshield?

Keep Bactoshield out of eyes, ears, and mouth, and rinse with cold water if contact occurs. Avoid using it on large body areas unless necessary.

How should Bactoshield be stored?

Store Bactoshield between 20-25°C (68-77°F) and avoid excessive heat above 104°F (40°C).

Packaging Info

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Bactoshield Chg (chlorhexidine gluconate). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Bactoshield Chg.
Details

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Bactoshield Chg, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)

Description

Bactoshield® is a surgical scrub containing 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) as its active ingredient. This antiseptic solution exhibits antimicrobial properties, making it suitable for use in surgical settings. The product is presented in a net volume of 118 mL (4 fl oz).

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for use as a surgical hand scrub, significantly reducing the number of microorganisms on the hands and forearms prior to surgical procedures or patient care. It is also indicated for healthcare personnel handwashing, aiding in the reduction of bacteria that may potentially cause disease. Additionally, this drug serves as a skin wound and general skin cleanser, helping to reduce bacteria on the skin.

There are no teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects associated with this drug.

Dosage and Administration

Healthcare professionals should exercise caution when using this product in premature infants or infants under 2 months of age, as it may cause irritation or chemical burns. The product is to be used at full strength and must not be diluted.

For surgical hand scrubbing, the following procedure should be adhered to:

  1. Remove all jewelry.

  2. Wet hands and forearms with water.

  3. Apply 5 mL of the product.

  4. Wash and scrub hands and forearms for 3 minutes, ensuring thorough attention to nails, cuticles, and interdigital spaces.

  5. Rinse thoroughly with water.

  6. Repeat the process by washing for an additional 3 minutes with another 5 mL of the product, followed by rinsing under running water.

  7. Dry hands and forearms thoroughly.

For healthcare personnel handwashing, the procedure is as follows:

  1. Wet hands with water.

  2. Dispense approximately 5 mL of the product into cupped hands.

  3. Wash hands vigorously for 30 seconds.

  4. Rinse and dry hands thoroughly.

For skin wound cleansing and general skin cleansing, the following steps should be taken:

  1. Thoroughly rinse the area to be cleansed with water.

  2. Apply the minimum amount of product necessary to cover the skin or wound area and wash gently.

  3. Rinse thoroughly with water.

  4. Rinse again thoroughly to ensure complete removal of the product.

Contraindications

Use of this preparation is contraindicated in the following situations:

Patients with a known allergy to chlorhexidine gluconate or any other component of this formulation should not use this product due to the risk of severe allergic reactions.

This product is not to be used as a preoperative skin preparation, particularly on the head or face, as it may pose risks associated with surgical procedures.

Contact with the meninges is contraindicated, as it may lead to serious complications.

Additionally, the use of this preparation in the genital area is contraindicated due to potential adverse effects.

Warnings and Precautions

For external use only. This product carries an allergy alert, as it may induce a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms of such a reaction may include wheezing or difficulty breathing, shock, facial swelling, hives, and rash. In the event of an allergic reaction, it is imperative to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

This product should not be used in the following circumstances:

  • In individuals with a known allergy to chlorhexidine gluconate or any other component of this formulation.

  • As a preoperative skin preparation, particularly on the head or face.

  • In contact with the meninges.

  • In the genital area.

When utilizing this product, it is crucial to avoid contact with the eyes, ears, and mouth, as it may cause serious and permanent eye injury if introduced into the eye during surgical procedures. Additionally, instillation into the middle ear through perforated eardrums may result in deafness. Should contact occur, it is essential to rinse the affected area with cold water immediately.

Wounds that extend beyond the superficial layers of the skin should not be routinely treated with this product. Furthermore, repeated general skin cleansing of large body areas is discouraged unless necessitated by an underlying condition that requires a reduction in the bacterial population of the skin.

Users should discontinue use and consult a physician if irritation, sensitization, or an allergic reaction persists for 72 hours, as these may indicate a serious condition. It is also important to keep this product out of reach of children. In the event of ingestion, immediate medical assistance should be sought or contact with a Poison Control Center should be made.

Side Effects

This product may cause a severe allergic reaction in some patients. Symptoms of such reactions may include wheezing or difficulty breathing, shock, facial swelling, hives, and rash. In the event of an allergic reaction, patients should discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Patients should not use this product if they are allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate or any other ingredient in the formulation. Additionally, it is contraindicated for use as a preoperative skin preparation, particularly on the head or face, and should not come into contact with the meninges or be applied in the genital area.

When using this product, it is crucial to avoid contact with the eyes, ears, and mouth, as this may lead to serious and permanent eye injury if the product is placed or retained in the eye during surgical procedures. Furthermore, instillation in the middle ear through perforated eardrums may result in deafness. Should contact occur, patients are advised to rinse the affected area with cold water immediately. Wounds that extend beyond the superficial layers of the skin should not be routinely treated with this product, and repeated general skin cleansing of large body areas should be avoided unless necessary to reduce the bacterial population due to an underlying condition.

Patients should stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional if irritation, sensitization, or an allergic reaction occurs and persists for 72 hours, as these may indicate a serious condition.

Drug Interactions

There are no specific drug interactions or laboratory test interactions identified in the available data. Therefore, no dosage adjustments or monitoring recommendations are necessary at this time.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Bactoshield Chg (chlorhexidine gluconate). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Bactoshield Chg.
Details

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients, particularly premature infants and those under 2 months of age, should use this product with caution due to the potential for irritation or chemical burns. It is essential to keep the product out of reach of children. In the event of accidental ingestion, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or contact with a Poison Control Center is advised.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients should be monitored closely when using this medication, particularly those who are premature infants or infants under 2 months of age. The use of this product in these populations may lead to irritation or chemical burns. Caution is advised, and healthcare providers should consider the potential risks associated with its use in these vulnerable groups. Regular assessment of the patient's condition and response to treatment is recommended to ensure safety and efficacy.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients should be advised to use this product with caution, particularly in premature infants or infants under 2 months of age. There is a potential risk of irritation or chemical burns associated with the use of this product in these populations. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to weigh the benefits against the risks when considering the use of this product in pregnant patients, especially those who may be at risk of exposure to premature or very young infants.

Lactation

Lactating mothers should use this product with caution, particularly in the case of premature infants or those under 2 months of age. There is a risk that the product may cause irritation or chemical burns in these vulnerable populations. It is advisable for healthcare professionals to closely monitor breastfed infants for any adverse effects when this product is used by lactating mothers.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment have no specific information regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations provided in the drug insert. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to individuals with reduced kidney function, as the lack of data necessitates careful clinical judgment.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to the use of this medication. Consequently, there are no dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or precautions outlined for individuals with compromised liver function. It is recommended that healthcare providers exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with hepatic impairment, given the lack of data on its safety and efficacy in this population. Regular monitoring of liver function may be prudent in these cases, although specific parameters are not defined in the available information.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdosage, immediate medical assistance is crucial. If the substance is ingested, healthcare professionals should advise patients or caregivers to seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center without delay.

Prompt intervention is essential to mitigate potential adverse effects associated with overdosage. Symptoms may vary depending on the specific substance involved, and healthcare providers should be prepared to assess and manage these symptoms accordingly.

Management procedures may include supportive care and symptomatic treatment, tailored to the individual patient's needs. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are recommended to ensure patient safety and effective resolution of any complications arising from the overdosage.

Nonclinical Toxicology

No information is available regarding teratogenic effects. Additionally, there is no information provided concerning non-teratogenic effects. The insert does not contain any details related to nonclinical toxicology. Furthermore, there is no information available regarding animal pharmacology and toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified several adverse reactions reported voluntarily or through surveillance programs. These include allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, as well as skin reactions, which encompass rash, pruritus, and urticaria. Additionally, reports of serious skin reactions have been noted, including chemical burns and skin irritation.

There have also been cases of eye injury associated with accidental introduction of the product into the eyes. Furthermore, instances of ototoxicity have been reported in patients with perforated eardrums following the use of the product.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep this product out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. Instruct patients that if the product is swallowed, they should seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Patients should be informed to discontinue use and consult a doctor if they experience irritation, sensitization, or an allergic reaction that persists for 72 hours, as these symptoms may indicate a serious condition.

When using this product, it is crucial to avoid contact with the eyes, ears, and mouth, as exposure may lead to serious and permanent eye injury if the product is placed or retained in the eye during surgical procedures, or may result in deafness if instilled in the middle ear through perforated eardrums. In the event of contact with these areas, patients should rinse with cold water immediately.

Healthcare providers should also caution patients that wounds involving more than the superficial layers of the skin should not be routinely treated with this product. Additionally, repeated general skin cleansing of large body areas should be avoided unless an underlying condition necessitates a reduction in the bacterial population of the skin.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers available upon request. It is essential to store the product at a temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) to maintain its efficacy. Care should be taken to avoid exposure to excessive heat, defined as temperatures above 104°F (40°C). For further details regarding safety and handling, please refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Additional Clinical Information

Patients should be aware that the product must be used with caution in premature infants or those under 2 months of age, as it may cause irritation or chemical burns. It is important to use the product at full strength without dilution. For surgical hand scrubs, clinicians should instruct patients to remove jewelry, wet hands and forearms, apply 5 mL of the product, scrub for 3 minutes focusing on nails and interdigital spaces, rinse thoroughly, and repeat the process. For healthcare personnel handwashing, a vigorous wash for 30 seconds with 5 mL of the product is recommended, followed by thorough rinsing and drying. When used as a skin wound or general skin cleanser, the area should be rinsed with water, the minimum amount of product applied, gently washed, and rinsed thoroughly.

Patient counseling should emphasize the importance of keeping the product away from the eyes, ears, and mouth, as contact can lead to serious injuries, including permanent eye damage or deafness. Patients should be advised to discontinue use and consult a doctor if irritation, sensitization, or allergic reactions occur and persist for 72 hours, as these may indicate a serious condition. In the event of ingestion, immediate medical assistance or contact with a Poison Control Center is necessary.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Bactoshield Chg, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)

Data Generation & Sources

This page was automatically generated and is maintained by the AllDrugs AI Data-Science Team. It was built from the FDA Structured Product Label (DailyMed) for Bactoshield Chg, retrieved by a validated AI data-extraction workflow.

All FDA-listed dosage forms and strengths are shown in the Packaging & NDC Codes section above. Regulatory status appears in the Summary Information panel above and was verified in the FDA National Drug Code directory and the NSDE NDC Directory daily file.

Note: an automated daemon monitors NSDE checksums; when the record for this NDC changes, the new file is pulled instantly and this page is refreshed.

No human clinician has reviewed this version.

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Orange Book data shown on this page are limited to Regulatory Status (Rx), Established Pharmacologic Class (EPC), and Mechanism of Action (MoA).

Regulatory data notice: Information on this page is reproduced verbatim from FDA public databases (NSDE, Orange Book, Purple Book, DailyMed SPL). NDA/ANDA drugs are FDA-approved, BLA biologics are FDA-licensed. Inclusion alone does not guarantee current market availability or imply FDA endorsement.

Medical disclaimer: This AI-generated content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment decisions.