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Foster and Thrive

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Active ingredient
Chlorhexidine Gluconate 4 g/100 mL
Other brand names
Dosage form
Solution
Route
Topical
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
Pregnancy
See Pregnancy Use Section
Lactation
See Lactation Use Section
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2023
Label revision date
December 16, 2025
Drug Information (PDF)
Prescribing information, PDF file
Active ingredient
Chlorhexidine Gluconate 4 g/100 mL
Other brand names
Dosage form
Solution
Route
Topical
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
CSA schedule
Not a scheduled drug
Pregnancy
See Pregnancy Use Section
Lactation
See Lactation Use Section
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2023
Label revision date
December 16, 2025
Manufacturer
McKesson Corporation
Registration number
NDA019125
NDC root
70677-1221
Drug Information (PDF)
Prescribing information, PDF file
Packaging Info
Packaging & NDC Codes

If you are a healthcare professional or from the pharmaceutical industry please visit this version.

If you are a consumer or patient please visit this version.

Drug Overview

Foster & Thrive™ is an antiseptic skin cleanser that contains chlorhexidine gluconate (a type of antiseptic solution) at a concentration of 4%. This product is designed to help reduce bacteria on the skin that could potentially cause infections, making it useful for general skin cleansing and wound care. It is intended for external use only and is dye-free, ensuring a gentle option for maintaining skin hygiene.

Uses

You can use this product for a couple of important purposes. First, it is effective for healthcare personnel handwashing, helping to reduce the number of bacteria on your hands that could potentially cause disease. This is crucial for maintaining hygiene, especially in medical settings.

Additionally, it is suitable for cleansing skin wounds and for general skin cleansing. This means you can use it to clean minor cuts or scrapes, as well as for everyday skin care. Overall, it plays a key role in promoting cleanliness and preventing infections.

Dosage and Administration

To ensure proper hygiene, it's important to wash your hands correctly. Start by wetting your hands with water. Then, dispense about 5 mL of the product into your cupped hands and scrub vigorously for about 15 seconds. After that, rinse your hands thoroughly and dry them completely.

If you need to clean a skin wound or any area of your skin, begin by rinsing the area with water. Next, apply just enough of the product to cover the skin or wound, and wash it gently. Finally, rinse the area thoroughly again to ensure it's clean. Following these steps will help maintain good hygiene and promote healing.

What to Avoid

You should avoid using this product if you are allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate or any of its other ingredients. It's also important not to apply it in contact with the meninges (the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) or in the genital area. Following these guidelines helps ensure your safety and prevents potential complications. If you have any concerns or questions about using this product, please consult your healthcare provider.

Side Effects

This product is for external use only and may cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include 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.

You should not use this product if you are allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate or any of its ingredients, or if it comes into contact with the meninges (the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) or the genital area. While using the product, avoid contact with your eyes, ears, and mouth, as it can cause serious injuries. If the solution accidentally gets into these areas, rinse thoroughly with water. If you notice any irritation, sensitization, or signs of an allergic reaction, stop using the product and consult a doctor. Always keep this product out of reach of children, and if swallowed, seek medical assistance immediately.

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, or if it comes into contact with the meninges (the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) or the genital area. While using the product, avoid contact with your eyes, ears, and mouth, as it can cause serious injuries. If the solution accidentally gets into these areas, rinse thoroughly with water. Additionally, do not treat deep wounds or perform repeated cleansing of large skin areas unless directed by a healthcare provider.

If you notice any irritation, sensitization, or signs of an allergic reaction, stop using the product and consult your doctor, as these may indicate a serious condition. Keep this product out of reach of children, and if swallowed, seek medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Overdose

If you or someone else has swallowed too much of a medication, it’s important to seek medical help immediately. You can do this by contacting a Poison Control Center or going to the nearest emergency room.

Signs of an overdose can vary, but they may include unusual drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to get help right away. Remember, acting quickly can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Pregnancy Use

When it comes to using chlorhexidine gluconate 4% solution during pregnancy, there are no specific guidelines or safety concerns mentioned. This means that there are no known risks or necessary dosage adjustments for pregnant individuals. However, it's always best to consult with your healthcare provider before using any medication or solution during pregnancy to ensure it is safe for you and your baby. Your healthcare provider can give you personalized advice based on your unique situation.

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 it's best to consult with your healthcare provider before using them.

Always prioritize your baby's safety and well-being by discussing any medications you are considering while breastfeeding. Your healthcare provider can help you understand the risks and make informed decisions.

Pediatric Use

When considering this medication for your child, it's important to use it with caution, especially if your child is a premature infant or younger than 2 months old. In these cases, the medication may cause irritation or even chemical burns. Always consult with your child's healthcare provider to ensure safe use and to discuss any concerns you may have regarding their age and health status.

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 chemical burns in this vulnerable age group. Always consult with a healthcare professional to ensure safety and appropriate use.

If you or your loved one falls into this category, make sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor, who can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs.

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 should be used if you have renal impairment (kidney issues).

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure that any medication you take is safe and appropriate for your health situation. They can help monitor your kidney function 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 should be used 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 you understand how to manage your treatment effectively.

Drug Interactions

It's important to have open conversations with your healthcare provider about any medications or tests you may be taking. While there are no specific drug interactions or laboratory test interactions noted for this medication, your healthcare provider can help ensure that everything you are taking works well together and is safe for you. Always share your complete list of medications and any recent lab tests to avoid any potential issues. Your health and safety should always come first.

Storage and Handling

To ensure the best performance of your product, store it at a temperature between 20-25ºC (68-77ºF). It's important to keep it away from excessive heat, particularly temperatures around 40ºC (104ºF), as this can affect its effectiveness.

When handling the product, always do so with care to maintain its integrity. Make sure to follow any additional safety guidelines provided with the product to ensure safe usage and disposal.

Additional Information

You should use this medication topically, which means applying it directly to the skin. It's important to be cautious if you are using it on premature infants or infants younger than 2 months, as it may cause irritation or even chemical burns. Always keep this product out of reach of children. If a child accidentally swallows it, seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

FAQ

What is Foster & Thrive™?

Foster & Thrive™ is an antiseptic skin cleanser containing chlorhexidine gluconate 4% solution.

What are the main uses of Foster & Thrive™?

It is used for healthcare personnel handwashing to reduce bacteria and for skin wound and general skin cleansing.

Are there any contraindications for using Foster & Thrive™?

Do not use it if you are allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate or any other ingredient in the product, in contact with meninges, or in the genital area.

What should I do if I experience an allergic reaction?

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

How should I use Foster & Thrive™ for handwashing?

Wet your hands, dispense about 5 mL of the product, wash vigorously for about 15 seconds, then rinse and dry thoroughly.

What precautions should I take when using this product?

Keep it out of your eyes, ears, and mouth, as it may cause serious injury if it enters these areas. Rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs.

Is Foster & Thrive™ safe for use in infants?

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

What should I do if the product is swallowed?

Keep it out of reach of children, and if swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

What are the storage conditions for Foster & Thrive™?

Store at 20-25ºC (68-77ºF) and avoid excessive heat above 40ºC (104ºF).

Packaging Info

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Foster and Thrive (chlorhexidine gluconate 4%). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Foster and Thrive.
Details

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)

Description

No description information is available for the specified drug.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for use in healthcare personnel handwashing to help reduce bacteria that may potentially cause disease. It is also indicated for skin wound care and general skin cleansing.

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

Dosage and Administration

Healthcare personnel should begin by wetting their hands with water. Approximately 5 mL of the product should be dispensed into cupped hands, followed by vigorous washing for about 15 seconds. After washing, hands must be rinsed thoroughly and dried.

For skin wound and general skin cleansing, the area to be cleaned should first be thoroughly rinsed with water. The minimum amount of product necessary to adequately cover the skin or wound area should then be applied, followed by gentle washing. The area must be rinsed again thoroughly to ensure complete removal of the product.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in individuals with a known allergy to chlorhexidine gluconate or any other component of the formulation. Additionally, the product should not be applied in contact with the meninges due to the risk of serious complications. It is also contraindicated for use in the genital area to prevent potential adverse effects.

Warnings and Precautions

For external use only. This product carries a significant risk of causing severe allergic reactions. Symptoms indicative of such reactions 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:

  • If the patient has a known allergy to chlorhexidine gluconate or any other component of this formulation.

  • If there is potential contact with the meninges.

  • In the genital area.

When utilizing this product, it is essential to avoid contact with the eyes, ears, and mouth, as exposure may lead to serious and permanent eye injury or deafness if introduced into the middle ear through perforated eardrums. Should the solution inadvertently contact these areas, it must be rinsed out promptly and thoroughly with water. Additionally, wounds that extend beyond the superficial layers of the skin should not be treated routinely with this product. Repeated general skin cleansing of large body areas is discouraged unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to discontinue use and consult a physician if any signs of irritation, sensitization, or allergic reaction occur, as these may indicate a serious underlying condition.

It is crucial to keep this product out of reach of children. In the event of ingestion, immediate medical attention should be sought, or contact with a Poison Control Center is recommended.

Side Effects

Patients using this product should be aware that it is for external use only. There is a significant risk of severe allergic reactions, which may manifest as wheezing or difficulty breathing, shock, facial swelling, hives, or rash. In the event of an allergic reaction, patients are advised to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

This product should not be used by individuals who are allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate or any other ingredient contained in the formulation. Additionally, it is contraindicated for use in contact with the meninges or in the genital area.

While 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 or potential deafness if instilled in the middle ear through perforated eardrums. Should the solution come into contact with these areas, it is imperative to rinse thoroughly with water. Furthermore, wounds that extend beyond the superficial layers of the skin should not be routinely treated with this product, and repeated cleansing of large body areas should only be performed under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Patients should discontinue use and consult a physician if they experience any signs of irritation, sensitization, or allergic reactions, as these may indicate a serious condition. It is also important to keep this product out of reach of children; if ingested, immediate medical help or contact with a Poison Control Center is necessary.

Drug Interactions

There are currently no documented drug interactions associated with this medication. Additionally, there are no known interactions with laboratory tests. As such, no specific recommendations for dosage adjustments or monitoring are warranted at this time.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Foster and Thrive (chlorhexidine gluconate 4%). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Foster and Thrive.
Details

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients, particularly premature infants and those under 2 months of age, should be treated with caution. The use of these products in this population may lead to irritation or chemical burns. It is essential for healthcare professionals to monitor these patients closely and consider the potential risks associated with their use in very young infants.

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

There are no specific statements regarding the use of chlorhexidine gluconate 4% solution during pregnancy, including safety concerns, dosage modifications, or special precautions. Healthcare professionals should consider the absence of data when advising pregnant patients and weigh the potential benefits against any unknown risks. It is recommended that women of childbearing potential discuss their individual circumstances with their healthcare provider before using this product.

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 breastfed infants. Therefore, careful consideration and monitoring are advised when administering this product to lactating mothers who are nursing young infants.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment have not been specifically addressed in the drug insert text regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to individuals with reduced kidney function, as the absence of detailed guidance necessitates careful clinical judgment. Regular monitoring of renal function may be advisable in these patients to ensure safety and efficacy.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to this medication. Consequently, there are no established 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 prescribing 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; therefore, a thorough assessment by a medical professional is recommended to determine the appropriate course of action.

Management procedures may include supportive care and symptomatic treatment, tailored to the individual patient's needs. It is imperative that healthcare providers remain vigilant and prepared to address any complications that may arise from an overdosage scenario.

Nonclinical Toxicology

No information is available regarding teratogenic or non-teratogenic effects. Additionally, there is no data provided concerning nonclinical toxicology, animal pharmacology, or toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

No postmarketing experience details are available in the insert text.

Patient Counseling

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

Patients should be informed to avoid contact with the eyes, ears, and mouth, as the medication may cause serious and permanent eye injury if it enters the eye, or may lead to deafness if instilled in the middle ear through perforated eardrums. If the solution comes into contact with these areas, patients should rinse them promptly and thoroughly with water.

It is important to counsel patients that wounds involving more than the superficial layers of the skin should not be routinely treated with this medication. Additionally, repeated general skin cleansing of large body areas should only be performed when specifically advised by a healthcare provider.

Patients should be instructed to stop using the medication and consult a doctor if they experience any irritation, sensitization, or allergic reactions, as these may indicate a serious condition.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers available for identification. It is essential to store the product at a controlled temperature range of 20-25ºC (68-77ºF). Care should be taken to avoid exposure to excessive heat, particularly temperatures exceeding 40ºC (104ºF). Proper storage conditions are crucial to maintain the integrity and efficacy of the product.

Additional Clinical Information

The product is administered topically. Clinicians 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. It is essential to keep the product out of reach of children; if ingested, immediate medical assistance or contact with a Poison Control Center is advised.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Foster and Thrive, 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 Foster and Thrive, 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.

Learn more in our Editorial Policy

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Primary FDA sources:

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.