http://aflen2008.wordpress.com/2009/06/01/allergic-to-chlorhexidine/ Sun, 13 Dec 2009 22:23:09 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 http://aflen2008.wordpress.com/2009/06/01/allergic-to-chlorhexidine/#comment-190 Samuel M Talmer, DDS Sun, 23 Aug 2009 03:57:45 +0000 http://aflen2008.wordpress.com/?p=401#comment-190 As a dentist in Michigan, I had been using Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) for hand washing for several years and Peridex (chlorhexidine) as an oral rinse also; until (in 2004, as I recall) I suffered an anaphylactoid reaction while getting my teeth cleaned by my dental hygienist: about 5 minutes after subgingival irrigation I began sneezing repeatedly, developed a rash on my chest, angioedema of lower lip and wheezing. I was treated with benadryl i.m. and solu-cortef I.V.; symptoms subsided after about an hour. Subsequent testing by my allergist confirmed chlorhexidine allergy. Needless to say, I now keep chlorhexidine products out of my office; there are good alternatives for office use for my patients. I also wear an allergy alert necklace due to the widespread use of chlorhexidine in hospitals and doctor offices. SMT As a dentist in Michigan, I had been using Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) for hand washing for several years and Peridex (chlorhexidine) as an oral rinse also; until (in 2004, as I recall) I suffered an anaphylactoid reaction while getting my teeth cleaned by my dental hygienist: about 5 minutes after subgingival irrigation I began sneezing repeatedly, developed a rash on my chest, angioedema of lower lip and wheezing. I was treated with benadryl i.m. and solu-cortef I.V.; symptoms subsided after about an hour. Subsequent testing by my allergist confirmed chlorhexidine allergy. Needless to say, I now keep chlorhexidine products out of my office; there are good alternatives for office use for my patients. I also wear an allergy alert necklace due to the widespread use of chlorhexidine in hospitals and doctor offices. SMT

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