Chlorhexidine is an antibacterial agent commonly used as a disinfection agent and has broad-spectrum activity. Chlorhexidine is used in dental research as it is a common additive in the prevention of dental plaque.
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| Mechanism of Action |
Chlorhexidine is a cationic molecule which interacts with and alters the negatively charged bacterial cell wall. This interaction leads to leakage of cellular components at low concentrations and cellular lysis at higher concentrations. At physiologic pH, chlorhexidine salts dissociates and releases the positively charged chlorhexidine cation. This cationic molecule binds to the negatively charged bacterial cell wall. At low low chlorhexidine concentration this leads to a bacteriostatic effect but at high concentrations this membrane disruption results in cell death. |
| Spectrum | Chlorhexidine has a broad spectrum of activity and is active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as yeasts and some viruses. |
| Molecular Formula | C22H30Cl2N10 |
| References | Jones CG (1997) Chlorhexidine: Is it still the gold standard. Periodontology 15:55-62 |
