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Foaming Hand Wash

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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 2020
Label revision date
September 8, 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 2020
Label revision date
September 8, 2025
Manufacturer
Medline Industries, LP
Registration number
NDA019422
NDC root
53329-994

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Drug Overview

This product is a surgical hand scrub designed to significantly reduce the number of microorganisms on your hands and forearms before surgery or patient care. It is also used as a healthcare personnel handwash, helping to lower the presence of bacteria that could potentially cause disease. By using this scrub, you can help ensure a cleaner and safer environment for both yourself and your patients.

Uses

You can use this product for two main purposes. First, it serves as a surgical hand scrub, which means it significantly reduces the number of microorganisms on your hands and forearms before surgery or when providing patient care. This is crucial for preventing infections and ensuring a safe environment for both patients and healthcare providers.

Additionally, it is effective as a handwash for healthcare personnel. By using it, you can help lower the levels of bacteria that might cause disease, contributing to better hygiene in healthcare settings.

Dosage and Administration

To properly use the surgical hand scrub, start by wetting your hands and forearms with water. Then, apply 5 mL of the product (which is about 7 strokes) and scrub for 3 minutes using a wet brush. Make sure to focus on your nails, cuticles, and the skin between your fingers. If needed, you can use a separate nail cleaner. After scrubbing, rinse your hands thoroughly. Follow this with another wash for an additional 3 minutes using the same amount of product, rinsing again under running water, and then drying your hands completely.

For healthcare personnel handwashing, begin by wetting your hands with water. Dispense 5 mL of the product (again, about 7 strokes) into your cupped hands and wash vigorously for 15 seconds. After washing, rinse your hands well and dry them thoroughly. This ensures that your hands are clean and safe for any medical procedures.

What to Avoid

You should avoid using this product if you are allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate or any of its ingredients. Additionally, do not use it on wounds that go deeper than the superficial layers of the skin, as this could lead to complications.

While using this product, be very careful to keep it away from your eyes, ears, and mouth. If it accidentally gets into these areas, rinse them out immediately and thoroughly with water, as it can cause serious and lasting damage, including eye injury or hearing loss if it enters the middle ear through a perforated eardrum.

Side Effects

This product may cause a severe allergic reaction, which can include symptoms such as wheezing or difficulty breathing, shock, facial swelling, hives, and rash. If you are allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate or any other ingredient in this product, you should not use it.

While using this product, be cautious to avoid contact with your eyes, ears, and mouth, as it can lead to serious injuries, including permanent eye damage or hearing loss. If you experience any irritation, sensitization, or signs of an allergic reaction, stop using the product and consult a doctor, as these could indicate a serious condition.

Warnings and Precautions

This product is for external use only, and you should be aware that it may cause a severe allergic reaction. 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.

Be cautious to keep the product away from your eyes, ears, and mouth, as it can cause serious and permanent damage if it gets into these areas. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water right away. Additionally, avoid using this product on wounds that go deeper than the surface of the skin.

If you accidentally swallow the product, seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. You should also stop using the product and consult your doctor if you notice any irritation, sensitization, or signs of an allergic reaction, as these could indicate a more serious issue.

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. They can provide you with the necessary guidance and support.

Signs of an overdose can vary, but they may include unusual symptoms that are not typical for the medication. If you notice any concerning changes in behavior or health, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Remember, it’s always better to be safe and get professional advice in these situations.

Pregnancy Use

Currently, there is no specific information available about the use of Foaming Hand Wash containing chlorhexidine gluconate during pregnancy. This means that safety concerns, dosage adjustments, or any special precautions for pregnant individuals have not been clearly outlined.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it's always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before using any new products, including hand washes, to ensure they are safe for you and your baby.

Lactation Use

If you are breastfeeding, it's important to use certain medications with caution, especially if your baby is a premature infant or younger than 2 months old. These products can potentially cause irritation or chemical burns in very young infants. Always consult with your healthcare provider before using any medication to ensure it is safe for you and your baby.

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 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 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 you understand how to manage your treatment effectively while considering your kidney health.

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 determine the best course of action based on your individual situation.

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 lab tests you undergo, as this helps in managing your health effectively.

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, as temperatures above 40°C (104°F) can damage the product.

When handling the product, make sure to do so with clean hands and in a safe environment to maintain its integrity. Following these guidelines will help you use the product safely and effectively.

Additional Information

For surgical hand scrubbing, you should use 5 mL of the product, scrubbing for 3 minutes with 7 strokes using a wet brush. After that, rinse thoroughly, then wash again for another 3 minutes with the same amount of product and rinse under running water before drying completely.

If you're a healthcare worker performing a handwash, dispense 5 mL of the product into your cupped hands and wash vigorously for 15 seconds, then rinse and dry thoroughly.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the surgical hand scrub?

The surgical hand scrub significantly reduces the number of microorganisms on your hands and forearms prior to surgery or patient care.

How should I use the surgical hand scrub?

Wet your hands and forearms with water, scrub for 3 minutes with 5 mL of product using a wet brush, paying attention to nails and skin between fingers, rinse thoroughly, then wash for an additional 3 minutes with 5 mL of product and rinse under running water.

What is the recommended method for healthcare personnel handwashing?

Wet your hands with water, dispense 5 mL of product into cupped hands, wash vigorously for 15 seconds, then rinse and dry thoroughly.

Are there any contraindications for using this product?

Do not use this product if you are allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate or any other ingredient in it.

What should I do if the product gets into my eyes?

If the solution contacts your eyes, rinse out promptly and thoroughly with water, as it may cause serious and permanent eye injury.

What are the allergy alerts associated with this product?

This product may cause a severe allergic reaction, with symptoms including wheezing, shock, facial swelling, hives, and rash. If any of these occur, stop use and seek medical help immediately.

Is this product safe for use during pregnancy?

There is no specific information regarding the safety of this product during pregnancy in the provided drug insert.

What should I do if I swallow this product?

If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

How should I store this product?

Store the product at 20-25°C (68-77°F) and avoid excessive heat above 40°C (104°F).

Packaging Info

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

Packaging configurations for Foaming Hand Wash.
Details

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Foaming Hand Wash, 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 as a surgical hand scrub, significantly reducing the number of microorganisms on the hands and forearms prior to surgical procedures or patient care. Additionally, it is indicated for healthcare personnel handwashing, aiding in the reduction of bacteria that may potentially cause disease.

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

Dosage and Administration

Healthcare professionals are advised to follow the specified procedures for the surgical hand scrub and healthcare personnel handwash to ensure optimal hygiene and effectiveness.

For the surgical hand scrub, the following steps should be adhered to:

  1. Begin by wetting hands and forearms with water.

  2. Dispense 5 mL of the product and scrub for 3 minutes using a wet brush, ensuring to perform 7 strokes while paying particular attention to the nails, cuticles, and the skin between the fingers. A separate nail cleaner may be utilized if necessary.

  3. Rinse hands and forearms thoroughly.

  4. Repeat the process by washing for an additional 3 minutes with another 5 mL of the product, again using 7 strokes. Rinse under running water and dry thoroughly.

For the healthcare personnel handwash, the following procedure is recommended:

  1. Wet hands with water.

  2. Dispense 5 mL of the product into cupped hands and wash vigorously for 15 seconds.

  3. Rinse hands thoroughly and dry completely.

Adhering to these guidelines will help maintain proper hand hygiene in clinical settings.

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 used routinely in patients with wounds that extend beyond the superficial layers of the skin due to the potential for adverse effects.

Contact with the eyes, ears, or mouth is contraindicated, as exposure may result in serious and permanent eye injury or deafness if introduced into the middle ear through perforated eardrums. In the event of contact with these areas, it is imperative to rinse thoroughly with water.

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.

General precautions must be observed to ensure safe application. The product should be kept away from the eyes, ears, and mouth, as contact with these areas may result in serious and permanent eye injury or potential deafness if introduced into the middle ear through perforated eardrums. Should the solution inadvertently contact these sensitive areas, it is essential to rinse thoroughly and promptly with water. Additionally, the product should not be used routinely on wounds that extend beyond the superficial layers of the skin.

In cases of ingestion, immediate medical help should be sought, or a Poison Control Center should be contacted without delay.

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.

Side Effects

Patients may experience a range of adverse reactions associated with the use of this product. Notably, there is a potential for severe allergic reactions, which may manifest as wheezing or difficulty breathing, shock, facial swelling, hives, or rash. Individuals with a known allergy to chlorhexidine gluconate or any other ingredient in this product should not use it.

During the use of this product, it is critical to avoid contact with the eyes, ears, and mouth, as exposure may lead to serious and permanent eye injury or deafness if the solution is instilled in the middle ear through perforated eardrums. In the event of contact with these areas, patients should rinse thoroughly with water immediately.

Patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if they experience irritation, sensitization, or any signs of an allergic reaction, as these may indicate a serious condition. Additionally, the product should not be used routinely on wounds that extend beyond the superficial layers of the skin.

Drug Interactions

There are currently no documented drug interactions associated with this medication. Additionally, there is no information available regarding 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 Foaming Hand Wash (chlorhexidine gluconate). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Foaming Hand Wash.
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 or under 2 months of age, as these populations may experience increased sensitivity. The potential for irritation or chemical burns necessitates careful consideration and caution in this demographic.

While specific dosage adjustments for geriatric patients are not provided, healthcare providers are advised to assess the overall health status and individual response to treatment in elderly patients. Regular monitoring for adverse effects is recommended to ensure safety and efficacy in this age group.

Pregnancy

There is no specific information available regarding the use of Foaming Hand Wash containing chlorhexidine gluconate during pregnancy. As such, safety concerns, dosage modifications, or special precautions for pregnant patients have not been established. Healthcare professionals should consider the lack of data when advising women of childbearing potential and weigh the potential benefits against any unknown risks associated with the use of this product during pregnancy.

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 patients with reduced kidney function, as there is no available data to guide dosing or monitoring in this population.

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 intervention is crucial. If the substance is ingested, it is imperative to seek medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center without delay.

Healthcare professionals should be aware that prompt action can significantly influence the outcome of an overdosage situation. Symptoms of overdosage may vary depending on the specific substance involved; therefore, a thorough assessment of the patient's condition is essential.

Management procedures should include supportive care and symptomatic treatment as necessary. Continuous monitoring of the patient's vital signs and clinical status is recommended to ensure appropriate interventions are implemented in a timely manner.

Nonclinical Toxicology

No teratogenic or non-teratogenic effects have been reported in the available nonclinical studies. Additionally, there is no information regarding animal pharmacology and toxicology. The absence of data limits the assessment of potential risks associated with the use of the compound in these contexts.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified the following adverse reactions reported voluntarily or through surveillance programs: irritation, sensitization, and allergic reactions. These reactions may indicate the presence of a serious condition.

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 not to use the product if they have a known allergy to chlorhexidine gluconate or any other ingredient contained in the formulation. It is important to counsel patients to discontinue use and consult a doctor if they experience any irritation, sensitization, or allergic reactions, as these may indicate a serious condition.

When using this product, healthcare providers should emphasize the importance of avoiding contact with the eyes, ears, and mouth. Patients should be made aware that exposure to these areas may result in serious and permanent eye injury or potential deafness if the solution is instilled in the middle ear through perforated eardrums. In the event of contact with these areas, patients should rinse thoroughly with water.

Additionally, healthcare providers should advise patients against routine use of the product if they have wounds that extend beyond the superficial layers of the skin, as this may pose additional risks.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers available for identification. It should be stored at a controlled room temperature of 20-25°C (68-77°F). Care must be taken to avoid exposure to excessive heat, specifically temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), to maintain product integrity. Proper container requirements should be adhered to, ensuring that the product is kept in suitable conditions to prevent degradation. Special handling needs should be observed to ensure the product remains within the recommended temperature range throughout its storage and handling processes.

Additional Clinical Information

Surgical hand scrubbing requires a total of 6 minutes of product application, divided into two phases. Initially, clinicians should scrub for 3 minutes using 5 mL of the product (7 strokes) with a wet brush, followed by thorough rinsing. This is succeeded by an additional 3-minute wash with another 5 mL of the product (7 strokes), rinsing under running water and ensuring thorough drying.

For healthcare personnel handwashing, 5 mL of the product (7 strokes) should be dispensed into cupped hands, followed by vigorous washing for 15 seconds, followed by rinsing and thorough drying. No further information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, patient counseling, or postmarketing experiences.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Foaming Hand Wash, 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 Foaming Hand Wash, 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.