Authors

  1. Aschenbrenner, Diane S. MS, RN

Abstract

* The Food and Drug Administration has requested that manufacturers of over-the-counter topical products containing chlorhexidine gluconate add a warning to the drugs' labeling about the risk of a rare but potentially lethal allergic reaction to the antiseptic.

 

* If patients develop an allergic response to a product containing chlorhexidine gluconate, they should discontinue its use and wash any remaining product off their skin. Nurses should monitor patients and be prepared to treat anaphylaxis.