Reactions 1459 - 6 Jul 2013

■ Since 2000, New Zealand’s Centre for AdverseReaction Monitoring (CARM) has received 69 reports ofanaphylactic reactions to products containingchlorhexidine. A number of medicines, including OTCantiseptic creams/gels, dressings, mouthwashes, eyedrops and nasal sprays all include chlorhexidine.MedSafe cites a recent case series on anaphylaxis inpatients who received chlorhexidine in lubricants usedin urethral catheterization. The case series authorspostulated that the variety and increasing use ofchlorhexidine-containing products was leading tosensitization. CARM has received eight reports ofanaphylactic reactions to chlorhexidine/lignocainecombination products in men, aged 22 to 79 yearsold, undergoing urinary catheterization. Of the eightcases, five reported skin prick tests, of which fourwere positive for chlorhexidine sensitivity.Medsafe. Chlorhexidine -- Risk of Anaphylaxis. Prescriber Update 34: 22, No.2, 1 Jun 2013. Available from: URL: http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/ 803088771

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